Ruthenium Metathesis Catalysts with Imidazole Ligands

Phosphine-free ruthenium benzylidene complexes containing imidazole ligands are reported. These catalysts are effective for ring-closing metathesis (RCM) and cross-metathesis (CM) reactions at high temperatures, where the more widely used phosphine-containing N-heterocyclic carbene-based ruthenium catalysts show side reactions. This discovery opens up a pathway to develop more selective ruthenium metathesis catalysts for reactions requiring harsh conditions.

Automated summary

Phosphine-free ruthenium benzylidene complexes with imidazole ligands have been reported. These catalysts are effective for high-temperature ring-closing metathesis (RCM) and cross-metathesis (CM) reactions, unlike the commonly used phosphine-containing N-heterocyclic carbene-based ruthenium catalysts which exhibit side reactions. This discovery paves the way for the development of more selective ruthenium metathesis catalysts for reactions requiring harsh conditions.