Efficient ruthenium metathesis catalysts containing carborane ligands

• A ruthenium complex with a closo-1,2-C2B10H11 tag is presented.
• Complex was characterized by NMR and elemental analysis.
• Catalytic study for ring-closing metathesis was evaluated.
• Activity for RCM of many substrates was showed.

A first generation Hoveyda–Grubbs ruthenium complex with a closo-1,2-C2B10H11 tag has been prepared. This new catalyst was tested in ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reactions and proved to be quite efficient. In addition, the recovery and reuse of a previously reported second generation Hoveyda–Grubbs ruthenium carbene complex bearing an ionic [nido-7,8-C2B9H10]− tag was further studied. When used in an ionic liquid, the catalyst can be conveniently recycled and reused with only a very slight loss of activity for the RCM of oxygen-containing and N-protected substrates with di- or trisubstituted double bonds.

Ruthenium carbene complex 8 with a closo-1,2-C2B10H11 tag and 6 with an ionic [nido-7,8-C2B9H10]− tag.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide