Olefin metathesis has emerged as
a promising strategy for modulating
the stability and activity of biologically relevant compounds; however,
the ability to control olefin geometry in the product remains a challenge.
Recent advances in the design of cyclometalated ruthenium catalysts
has led to new strategies for achieving such control with high fidelity
and Z selectivity, but the scope and limitations
of these catalysts on substrates bearing multiple functionalities,
including peptides, remained unexplored. Herein, we report an assessment
of various factors that contribute to both productive and nonproductive Z-selective metathesis on peptides. The influence of sterics,
side-chain identity, and preorganization through peptide secondary
structure are explored by homodimerization, cross metathesis, and
ring-closing metathesis. Our results indicate that the amino acid
side chain and identity of the olefin profoundly influence the activity
of cyclometalated ruthenium catalysts in Z-selective
metathesis. The criteria set forth for achieving high conversion and Z selectivity are highlighted by cross metathesis and ring-closing
metathesis on diverse peptide substrates. The principles outlined
in this report are important not only for expanding the scope of Z-selective olefin metathesis to peptides but also for applying
stereoselective olefin metathesis in general synthetic endeavors.