First elaboration of an olefin metathesis catalytic membrane by grafting a Hoveyda-Grubbs precatalyst on zirconia membranes

This study is aimed at developing an innovative concept for the preparation of an olefin metathesis catalytic membrane. This goal was achieved by grafting a Grubbs II precatalyst on a zirconia membrane generating a tailor-made Hoveyda-Grubbs precatalyst on the surface of an ultrafiltration inorganic membrane. The obtained membranes were characterized by different techniques evidencing the grafting. The catalytic activity was also evaluated in a model ring-closing metathesis reaction. According to our knowledge, this manuscript reports the first ever so sophisticated catalytic membrane based on an organometallic complex of ruthenium. The proof of concept was achieved, although the membrane grafting must be improved for better catalytic activity.