Z-Selective Metathesis Homocoupling of 1,3-Dienes by Molybdenum and Tungsten Monoaryloxide Pyrrolide (MAP) Complexes

Molybdenum or tungsten monoaryloxide pyrrolide (MAP) complexes that contain OHIPT as the aryloxide (hexaisopropylterphenoxide) are effective catalysts for homocoupling of simple (E)-1,3-dienes to give (E,Z,E)-trienes in high yield and with high Z selectivities. A vinylalkylidene MAP species was shown to have the expected syn structure in an X-ray study. MAP catalysts that contain OHMT (hexamethylterphenoxide) are relatively inefficient.