Catalytic tail-to-tail dimerization of methyl acrylate using bis(triphenylphosphine)tricarbonyl ruthenium(0)

The complex Ru(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂ catalyzes the dimerization of methyl acrylate at 120–140°C to give tail-to-tail dimers containing predominantly dimethyl (E)-2-hexene-1,6-dioate together with small amounts of trimers and polymer. The reaction under hydrogen atmosphere selectively gave tail-to-tail dimers in improved yield without formation of trimers and polymer. Under these conditions a catalyst turnover number of 246 was obtained at 130°C in 6 h.