PQS-2: ring-closing- and cross-metathesis reactions on lipophilic substrates; in water only at room temperature, with in-flask catalyst recycling

A ubiquinol side-chain hydrogenated version (PQS-2) of the recently introduced PQS is described. It forms catalytic nanomicellar reactors in water that Provide the medium for highly reactive Ru carbene catalysts to effect both ring closing metathesis to trisubstituted olefins and cross-metathesis reactions at room temperature. The catalyst can be recycled without removal from the reaction vessel. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved