Z-selective ethenolysis using a ruthenium catalyst: Applications and mechanistic implications

Abstract

Unique ethenolysis reactivity has been uncovered with a new family of chelated ruthenium alkylidene catalysts that have exhibited high Z-selectivity in cross metathesis, ring opening metathesis polymn., and macrocyclic ring closure reactions. Exposure of a mixt. of cis- and trans- internal olefins to ethylene and a chelated ruthenium catalyst results in the selective ethenolysis of only the cis-isomer; this phenomenon was first reported for a Z-selective molybdenum metathesis catalyst. Applications for the resoln. of trans-internal olefins have been explored particularly in the isolation of purely trans-olefin contg. macrocyclic rings. Addnl., Z-selective ethenolysis is being explored as an important process in the mechanism and behavior of this family of chelated Z-selective catalysts.