A latent ruthenium based olefin metathesis catalyst with a sterically demanding NHC ligand

Abstract

An olefin metathesis catalyst featuring a SIPr NHC and an ester chelating carbene ligand is introduced. In contrast to its previously published SIMes analogue, only the trans dichloro configurated isomer was obtained. The two counterparts are tested in various olefin metathesis reactions, revealing a striking superiority of the new complex in the cross metathesis of olefins with methyl vinyl ketone allowing for full conversion with only 500 ppm catalyst loading.