Sol–gel immobilized Hoveyda–Grubbs complex through the NHC ligand: A recyclable metathesis catalyst

The synthesis of a bis-silylated Hoveyda–Grubbs ruthenium alkylidene complex is described, as well as the preparation via the sol–gel process and the characterization of an organosilica by co-gelification with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). This material is an active supported catalyst for various metathesis reactions. The recyclability has been proven even for the formation of a trisubstituted olefin. This is the first example of an immobilized Hoveyda–Grubbs’ type complex prepared by sol–gel co-gelification from a well-defined ruthenium alkylidene precursor bearing a silylated NHC moiety.

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► A well-defined Hoveyda–Grubbs complex bearing a disilylated NHC moiety is synthesized.
► The sol–gel immobilization of this complex through the NHC ligand is described.
► The synthesized material is an active and recyclable supported metathesis catalyst.