Low Catalyst Loadings in Self-Metathesis of 1-Dodecene

A series of ruthenium catalysts has been screened in the self-metathesis of 1-dodecene with and without the addition of benzoquinones. Many of these catalysts demonstrated excellent selectivity and yields with as low as 10ppm catalyst loading. Reactions have been conducted under decreased pressure or under argon bubbling, which caused a tremendous increase in yield and selectivity of the examined process.