Metathesis in Pure Water Mediated by Supramolecular Additives

Supramolecular, water-soluble additives based on calix[n]arenes exhibit a beneficial influence on the ring-closing and cross metathesis of non-polar substrates in pure aqueous medium using standard Grubbs-II and Hoveyda-II catalysts. The catalytic activity observed in water is virtually the same as that in pure methanol. Quantitative yields of metathesis product can be achieved under mild aerobic conditions in/on water by (micro)solubilization of both the catalyst and starting materials by the macrocycles.