Microwave-accelerated cross-metathesis reactions of N-allyl amino acid substrates

Microwave heating has been utilised for the cross-metathesis reaction of N-allyl amino acid substrates to generate olefin homodimers. Remarkable acceleration of the cross-metathesis reaction (minutes compared to hours) over conventional reflux heating was observed. In addition, improved reaction yields and similar E/Z ratios for the cross-metathesis products were achieved.