Several highly active, recoverable and recyclable Ru-based metathesis catalysts are presented. The crystal structure of Ru complex 5, bearing a 1,3-dimesityl-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene and styrenyl ether ligand is disclosed. The heterocyclic ligand significantly enhances the catalytic activity, and the styrenyl ether allows for the easy recovery of the Ru complex. Catalyst 5 promotes ring-closing metathesis (RCM) and the efficient formation of various trisubstituted olefins at ambient temperature in high yield within 2 h; the catalyst is obtained in >95% yield after silica gel chromatography and can be used directly in subsequent reactions. Tetrasubstituted olefins can also be synthesized by RCM reactions catalyzed by 5. In addition, the synthesis and catalytic activities of two dendritic and recyclable Ru-based complexes are disclosed (32 and 33). Examples involving catalytic ring-closing, ring-opening, and cross metatheses are presented where, unlike monomer 5, dendritic 33 can be readily recovered.

No abstract

Page 4955. Enantioselectivity values for non-UV active compounds 14a and 14b were measured by HPLC/ELSD methods. Subsequent investigations led us to determine that ELSD methods are unreliable in measuring ee values of these compounds. Through reliable alternative analysis methods, we have established that the above reactions proceed in 80 and 82% ee, respectively. The remaining enantioselectivities are correct as initially reported. For additional details, see: Van Veldhuizen, J. J.; Gillingham, D. G.; Garber, S. B.; Kataoka, O.; Hoveyda, A. H.

The discovery and development of a new class of Ru-based catalysts for olefin metathesis is described. These catalysts, particularly those that do not bear a phosphine ligand, have been demonstrated to promote unique levels of reactivity in a variety of olefin metathesis reactions. The design and development of supported and chiral optically pure variants of this class of Ru catalysts for use in enantioselective metathesis are discussed as well. All catalysts are air stable, reusable, and can be employed with unpurified solvents.

Design, synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity of six enantiomerically pure Ru-based metathesis catalysts are disclosed (3a-3f). The new chiral catalysts were prepared through steric and electronic alterations of the parent catalyst system (3). The present studies indicate that the effect of structural modifications of chiral complex 3 does not always correspond to those of the related achiral complexes. The present findings illustrate that modified Ru complexes (3e and 3f) deliver reactivity levels that are more than 2 orders of magnitude higher than 3. Reactivity and physical data are provided that shed light on the origin of activity differences. Some members of the new generation of chiral Ru catalysts promote asymmetric ring-opening (AROM) and ring-closing (ARCM) metatheses that cannot be effected by the first generation chiral catalyst (3).