Solid-supported cross metathesis and the role of the homodimerization of the non-immobilized olefin

We have prepared immobilized olefins as models for the cross metathesis using different olefin partners in the presence of second generation Grubbs and Hoveyda-Grubbs precatalysts. We have demonstrated that solid-phase cross metathesis is strongly dependent on the degree of homodimerization of the non-immobilized olefin and the reactivity of such a homodimer. As in the homogeneous phase, the Hoveyda-Grubbs precatalyst was better for immobilized alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds.