Silica and zirconia supported olefin metathesis pre-catalysts: Synthesis, catalytic activity and multiple-use in dimethyl carbonate

This study is aimed at designing and synthesising new olefin metathesis catalysts grafted onto porous solid supports and using them in dimethyl carbonate (DMC) an eco-friendly solvent. Two hybrid organic–inorganic Hoveyda-type catalysts were prepared in a few steps by initial grafting of a tailor-made ligand by sol–gel process onto porous silica and zirconia. The new hybrid organic–inorganic catalysts were then engaged in a series of model ring closing metathesis reactions (RCM) in the eco-friendly solvent DMC and their multiple-use was studied.

Graphical abstractTwo supported olefin metathesis catalysts have been prepared. Silica and zirconia have been used as supports. The supported catalysts have been fully characterised by mean of solid state NMR, DRIFT and SEM-EDX. The supported catalysts were evaluated in RCM reactions and their multiple-use in dimethyl carbonate was studied.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (150 K)Download as PowerPoint slide