Reversible aqueous metathesis reactions for potential application in dynamic combinatorial chemistry

Solutions of heterocycles having an allyl sulfide unit and simple alkenes in 50% t-BuOH/H2O undergo reversible olefin metathesis reactions with the second generation Hoveyda-Grubbs catalyst. The choice of functional groups is limited by competitive chelation of some heterocycles with the catalyst, and other stereoelectronic effects.