ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Some (1,2‐Bis(alkoxycarbonyl)ethyl)ruthenium(II) Complexes and Their Catalytic Activities for cis‐trans Isomerization of Dialkyl Maleates.

Abstract

254ChemInform Abstract The obtained insertion products (III) are converted into the binuclear complexes (IV) and (V) by refluxing in dioxane or toluene, respectively. Complexes (I), (IIIa) and (IVa)/(Va) are found to catalyze cis-trans isomerization of dialkyl maleates above 100 rc C. An insertion-β-elimination mechanism for these isomerizations is suggested on the basis of kinetic studies of the isomerization of dimethyl maleate (IIa). Addition of PPh3 to the catalyst accelerates the reaction rates.