Ruthenium aryloxide catalysts: Synthesis and applications in ring-closing metathesis

Advances in design of ruthenium catalysts for olefin metathesis are described, in which problems of catalyst decomposition via formation of chloride-bridged species are addressed by replacing the chloride ligands of the Grubbs-class catalysts with aryloxides as “pseudohalide” ligands. The best of the new catalysts offer activity comparable to or greater than that of the parent chloride systems in ring-closing metathesis, with some intriguing differences in selectivity, particularly in macrocycle formation. Unexpected advantages associated with removal of spent catalyst following reaction are also reviewed.

Graphical abstractAdvances in design of ruthenium catalysts for olefin metathesis are described. Catalyst decomposition via formation of chloride-bridged species is addressed by use of aryloxides as “pseudohalide” ligands. The high performance of the new catalysts in ring-closing metathesis is discussed, as well as unexpected advantages associated with removal of spent catalyst following reaction. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide