Efficient and recyclable monomeric and dendritic Ru-based metathesis catalysts

Several highly active, recoverable and recyclable Ru-based metathesis catalysts are presented. The crystal structure of Ru complex 5, bearing a 1,3-dimesityl-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene and styrenyl ether ligand is disclosed. The heterocyclic ligand significantly enhances the catalytic activity, and the styrenyl ether allows for the easy recovery of the Ru complex. Catalyst 5 promotes ring-closing metathesis (RCM) and the efficient formation of various trisubstituted olefins at ambient temperature in high yield within 2 h; the catalyst is obtained in >95% yield after silica gel chromatography and can be used directly in subsequent reactions. Tetrasubstituted olefins can also be synthesized by RCM reactions catalyzed by 5. In addition, the synthesis and catalytic activities of two dendritic and recyclable Ru-based complexes are disclosed (32 and 33). Examples involving catalytic ring-closing, ring-opening, and cross metatheses are presented where, unlike monomer 5, dendritic 33 can be readily recovered.