Development of Tungsten‐Based Heterogeneous Alkane Metathesis Catalysts Through a Structure–Activity Relationship

Abstract

More active and selective catalysts of alkane metathesis (see scheme) that are based on well-defined tungsten carbyne and hydride complexes supported on alumina have been developed through a structure–activity relationship. The improvement of activity on changing from Ta in 2 to W in 1 and the product selectivity show that olefin metathesis is probably the key process in CC bond formation in the alkane metathesis reaction.