Decomposition of a key intermediate in ruthenium-catalyzed olefin metathesis reactions

Dinuclear ruthenium complex, with a bridging carbide and a hydride ligand, and methyltricyclohexylphosphonium chloride result from thermal decomposition of olefin metathesis catalyst, (IMesH2)(PCy3)(Cl)2Ru=CH2. Involvement of dissociated phosphine in the decomposition is proposed. The dinuclear complex has catalytic olefin isomerization activity, which can be responsible for competing isomerization processes in certain olefin metathesis reactions.     

Benchmarked Intrinsic Olefin Metathesis Activity: Mo vs. W

Combining Surface Organometallic Chemistry with rigorous olefin purification protocol allows evaluating and comparing the intrinsic activities of Mo and W olefin metathesis catalysts towards different types of olefin substrates. While well‐defined silica‐supported Mo and W imido‐alkylidenes show very similar activities in metathesis of internal olefins, Mo catalysts systematically outperform their W analogs in metathesis of terminal olefins, consistent with the formation of stable unsubstituted W metallacyclobutanes in the presence of ethylene. However, Mo catalysts are more prone to induce olefin isomerization, in particular when ethylene is present, probably because of their propensity to undergo more easily reduction processes.     

Cross metathesis of alpha-methylene lactones II: gamma- and delta-lactones

[reaction: see text] The cross metathesis reactivities of alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone and an alpha-methylene-delta-lactone have been investigated. alpha-Methylene-gamma-butyrolactone undergoes rapid and efficient olefin isomerization in the presence of second-generation metathesis catalysts. However, cross metathesis can be achieved with the additive 2,6-dichlorobenzoquinone. In contrast, the alpha-methylene-delta-lactone neither isomerizes nor couples under similar conditions.     

Molecular modeling of the olefin metathesis by tungsten(0) carbene complexes

Density functional and second-order Moller–Plesset theory were used to model W(0) carbene mediated homogeneous metathesis reaction of propylene. The calculations show that the rate determining step of the metathesis is the initiation. After the initiation has been completed the rate determining step becomes dissociation of olefin–metallocarbene complex. The low stereoselectivity of the olefin metathesis reaction is due to the close matching of activation energies for cis and trans isomer formation and the fast cis–trans isomerization caused by the catalysts. The non-productive olefin metathesis reaction always dominates the reaction mixture owing to its very low activation energy. The electronic structure of metal carbene olefin complexes can be described as a combination of donor–acceptor interactions between HOMO of the olefin and LUMO of metal carbene located at carbene carbon on the one hand, and the Dewar, Chatt and Duncanson back donation scheme on the other.     

Non-metathesis reactions of ruthenium carbene catalysts and their application to the synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles

Non-metathesis reactions of ruthenium carbene catalysts, such as olefin isomerization, hydrogenation, radical reaction, activation of silane, cyclopropanation, epimerization cocyclopropane, [3 + 2] cycloaddition, and cycloisomerization, are summarized. The utility of these reactions was demonstrated by the synthesis of indole using olefin isomerization and subsequent ring-closing metathesis, the synthesis of indoline using cycloisomerization, and the synthesis of the putative structure of fistulosin using cycloisomerization as a key step.     

Synthesis of substituted phenols by using the ring-closing metathesis/isoaromatization approach

Ring-closing olefin metathesis (RCM) of 4-methylene-1,7-octadien-3-ones 2, followed by isomerization of the carbon--carbon double bond of 6-methylene-2-cyclohexenones 3 from exo to endo, produced various phenols 4. As an application of the method, the RCM/Mizoroki-Heck reaction of 2 was proven to be also effective for the synthesis of phenols having an additional substituent at ortho-benzylic position.     

Tandem Catalysis Utilizing Olefin Metathesis Reactions

Since olefin metathesis transformation has become a favored synthetic tool in organic synthesis, more and more distinct non‐metathetical reactions of alkylidene ruthenium complexes have been developed. Depending on the conditions applied, the same olefin metathesis catalysts can efficiently promote isomerization reactions, hydrogenation of C=C double bonds, oxidation reactions, and many others. Importantly, these transformations can be carried out in tandem with olefin metathesis reactions. Through addition of one portion of a catalyst, a tandem process provides structurally advanced products from relatively simple substrates without the need for isolation of the intermediates. These aspects not only make tandem catalysis very attractive from a practical point of view, but also open new avenues in (retro)synthetic planning. However, in the literature, the term “tandem process” is sometimes used improperly to describe other types of multi‐reaction sequences. In this Concept, a number of examples of tandem catalysis involving olefin metathesis are discussed with an emphasis on their synthetic value.     

Acid-Assisted Direct Olefin Metathesis of Unprotected Carbohydrates in Water

The ability to use unprotected carbohydrates in olefin metathesis reactions in aqueous media is demonstrated. By using water-soluble, amine-functionalized Hoveyda–Grubbs catalysts under mildly acidic aqueous conditions, the self-metathesis of unprotected alkene-functionalized α-d -manno- and α-d -galactopyranosides could be achieved through minimization of nonproductive chelation and isomerization. Cross-metathesis with allyl alcohol could also be achieved with reasonable selectivity. The presence of small quantities (2.5 vol %) of acetic acid increased the formation of the self-metathesis product while significantly reducing the alkene isomerization process. The catalytic activity was furthermore retained in the presence of large amounts (0.01 mm ) of protein, underlining the potential of this carbon–carbon bond-forming reaction under biological conditions. These results demonstrate the potential of directly using unprotected carbohydrate structures in olefin metathesis reactions under mild conditions compatible with biological systems, and thereby enabling their use in, for example, drug discovery and protein derivatization.     

New selectivities from old catalysts. Occlusion of Grubbs’ catalysts in PDMS to change their reactions

This article describes new selectivities for Grubbs’ first and second generation catalysts when occluded in a hydrophobic matrix of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Occlusion of catalysts in mm-sized slabs of PDMS is accomplished by swelling with methylene chloride then removing the solvent under vacuum. The catalysts are homogenously dissolved in PDMS yet remain catalytically active. Many substrates that react by olefin metathesis with Grubbs’ catalysts freely dissolved in methylene chloride also react by olefin isomerization with occluded catalysts. Eleven examples of substrates that exhibit dual reactivity by undergoing olefin isomerization with occluded catalysts and olefin metathesis with catalysts dissolved in methylene chloride are reported. Most of these substrates have olefins with allylic phosphine oxides, carbonyls, or ethers. Control experiments demonstrate that isomerization is occurring in the solvent by decomposition of the catalyst from a ruthenium carbene to a proposed ruthenium hydride. This work was extended by heating occluded Grubbs’ first generation catalyst to 100 °C in 90% MeOH in H₂O in the presence of various alkenes to transform the Grubbs’ catalyst into an isomerization catalyst for unfunctionalized olefins. This work demonstrates that occlusion of organometallic catalysts in PDMS has important implications for their reactions and can be used as a method to control which reactions they catalyze.     

Alkene isomerization/enamide-ene and diene metathesis for the construction of indoles, quinolines, benzofurans and chromenes with a chiral cyclopropane substituent

A synthetic method for bicyclic heterocycles, such as indole, benzofuran and chromene derivatives bearing a chiral cyclopropane at the 2-position, was established using isomerization of a terminal olefin and enamide-ene or diene metathesis. This route can also be applied to chiral 2-cyclopropylquinoline synthesis (both cis and trans).     

Concise formal synthesis of (+)-neopeltolide

A concise formal synthesis of (+)-neopeltolide (1) has been accomplished. The synthesis demonstrated high atom efficiency employing only one step of functional group protection. Key steps involved iridium-catalyzed double asymmetric carbonyl allylation, palladium-catalyzed intramolecular alkoxycarbonylation, ruthenium-catalyzed olefin isomerization, and ring-closing metathesis.     

The facile preparation of alkenyl metathesis synthons

We report synthetic methodology allowing the preparation of any length alkenyl halide from inexpensive starting reagents. Standard organic transformations were used to prepare straight chain α-olefin halides in excellent overall yields with no detectable olefin isomerization and full recovery of any unreacted starting material. Reported transformations can be used for the selective incorporation of pure α-olefin metathesis sites in highly functionalized molecules.     

Electrochemically reduced tungsten‐based active species as catalysts for cross‐metathesis reactions: cross‐metathesis of non‐functionalized olefins

The electrochemical reduction of WCl₆ results in the formation of an active olefin (alkene) metathesis catalyst. The application of the WCl₆–e^?–Al–CH₂Cl₂ catalyst system to cross‐metathesis reactions of non‐functionalized acyclic olefins is reported. Undesirable reactions, such as double‐bond shift isomerization and subsequent metathesis, were not observed in these reactions. Cross‐metathesis of 7‐tetradecene with an equimolar amount of 4‐octene generated the desired cross‐product, 4‐undecene, in good yield. The reaction of 7‐tetradecene with 2‐octene, catalyzed by electrochemically reduced tungsten hexachloride, resulted in both self‐ and cross‐metathesis products. The cross‐metathesis products, 2‐nonene and 6‐tridecene, were formed in larger amounts than the self‐metathesis products of 2‐octene. The optimum catalyst/olefin ratio and reaction time were found to be 1 : 60 and 24 h, respectively. The cross‐metathesis of symmetrical olefins with α‐olefins was also studied under the predetermined conditions. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Isomerizing Olefin Metathesis

Isomerizing olefin metathesis is currently undergoing a transformation from laboratory curiosity to powerful synthetic concept at the heart of orthogonal tandem catalysis. In this process, an isomerization catalyst continuously moves double bonds along carbon chains, while a metathesis catalyst scrambles the residues at the C−C double bonds. This cooperative action of two catalysts can be used to access single, defined products from a complex mixture of compounds. Alternatively, it enables the transformation of uniform starting materials into complex product blends with defined, tunable properties. This concept article highlights recent developments and potential applications of this fascinating reaction concept.     

Studying and Suppressing Olefin Isomerization Side Reactions During ADMET Polymerizations

Olefin isomerization side reactions that occur during ADMET polymerizations were studied by preparing polyesters via ADMET and subsequently degrading these polyesters via transesterification with methanol. The resulting diesters, representing the repeating units of the previously prepared polyesters, were then analyzed by GC‐MS. This strategy allowed quantification of the amount of olefin isomerization that took place during ADMET polymerization with second generation ruthenium metathesis catalysts. In a second step, it was shown that the addition of benzoquinone to the polymerization mixture prevented the olefin isomerization. Therefore, second generation ruthenium metathesis catalysts may now be used for the preparation of well‐defined polymers via ADMET with very little isomerization, which was not possible before.

     

Ring-closing metathesis of α-ester-substituted enol ethers: application to the shortest synthesis of KDO

Ring-closing metathesis reactions of α-ester-substituted enol ethers are described. In the case of unsubstituted terminal olefins, isomerization prior to cyclization was observed as an undesired side reaction, which could not be completely inhibited. Furthermore, this methodology was applied to a formal synthesis of KDO, which now represents the shortest synthetic pathway to KDO and its deoxy analogue. Interestingly, in this route olefin isomerization was not observed, presumably due to the increased steric environment of the double bond. Finally, an efficient two-step conversion to transform an alcohol into an α-alkoxy acrylate is also described.     

Cis-trans isomerization of polybutadiene double bonds during olefin metathesis

The cis-trans isomerization of polybutadiene double bonds during metathesis degradation using WCl₆/(CH₃)₄Sn catalyst system has been estimated kinetically along with productive metathesis. The isomerization was followed both for noncrosslinked and for crosslinked polybutadiene. Ninety-six percent cis-1, 4 units are found to isomerize into ca. 75% trans-1, 4 units. The rate of stereomutation is found to be different in the presence and absence of a low-molecular-weight olefin. The results are explained with the help of a stereo model originally proposed by Katz (Advances in Organometallic Chemistry, Academic, New York, 1977, Vol. 16.)     

A Thermo‐ and Photo‐Switchable Ruthenium Initiator For Olefin Metathesis

A ruthenium carbene complex bearing azobenzene functionality is reported. The complex exists in the form of two isomers differing by the size of the chelate ring. Both isomers were isolated by applying kinetic or thermodynamic control during the synthesis and characterized by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The isomerization of the complex was studied by UV/Vis spectroscopy. The stable isomer was tested as a catalyst in olefin metathesis. The complex was activated at about 100 °C to promote ring‐closing and ring‐opening polymerization metathesis reactions. The activation took place also at room temperature under middle ultraviolet radiation.     

Development of novel reactions using ruthenium carbene catalyst and its application to novel methods for preparing nitrogen-containing heterocycles

The reaction of N-allyl-ortho-vinylaniline with ruthenium carbene catalyst at 50 °C gives substituted 1,2-dihydroquinoline through ring-closing metathesis (RCM), which is easily converted to the corresponding quinoline after deprotection. In sharp contrast, when vinyloxytrimethylsilane is added to this reaction mixture, 1,2-dihydroquinoline is not formed and selective isomerization of N-allyl-ortho-vinylaniline is observed at 50 °C to give corresponding enamide, which is successfully converted to indole derivative by RCM. The same catalyst system provide indoline derivative at 160 °C by cycloisomerization. Based on a detailed mechanistic study, it becomes clear that a ruthenium carbene catalyst, which is highly effective for RCM, reacts with an electron-rich terminal olefin selectively, and another ruthenium species, which effectively catalyzes the isomerization of terminal olefin and cycloisomerization of alpha, omega-diene, is generated.     

Isomerizing olefin metathesis as a strategy to access defined distributions of unsaturated compounds from Fatty acids

The dimeric palladium(I) complex [Pd(μ-Br)(t)Bu(3)P](2) was found to possess unique activity for the catalytic double-bond migration within unsaturated compounds. This isomerization catalyst is fully compatible with state-of-the-art olefin metathesis catalysts. In the presence of bifunctional catalyst systems consisting of [Pd(μ-Br)(t)Bu(3)P](2) and NHC-indylidene ruthenium complexes, unsaturated compounds are continuously converted into equilibrium mixtures of double-bond isomers, which concurrently undergo catalytic olefin metathesis. Using such highly active catalyst systems, the isomerizing olefin metathesis becomes an efficient way to access defined distributions of unsaturated compounds from olefinic substrates. Computational models were designed to predict the outcome of such reactions. The synthetic utility of isomerizing metatheses is demonstrated by various new applications. Thus, the isomerizing self-metathesis of oleic and other fatty acids and esters provides olefins along with unsaturated mono- and dicarboxylates in distributions with adjustable widths. The cross-metathesis of two olefins with different chain lengths leads to regular distributions with a mean chain length that depends on the chain length of both starting materials and their ratio. The cross-metathesis of oleic acid with ethylene serves to access olefin blends with mean chain lengths below 18 carbons, while its analogous reaction with hex-3-enedioic acid gives unsaturated dicarboxylic acids with adjustable mean chain lengths as major products. Overall, the concept of isomerizing metatheses promises to open up new synthetic opportunities for the incorporation of oleochemicals as renewable feedstocks into the chemical value chain.