Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Versatile CO2 Transformations into Complex Products: A One-pot Two-step Strategy
Published on: November 9, 2019
Ru complexes bearing bidentate carbenes: from innocent curiosity to uniquely effective catalysts for olefin
Amir H Hoveyda1, Dennis G Gillingham, Joshua J Van Veldhuizen
1Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA.
Abstract:
The discovery and development of a new class of Ru-based catalysts for olefin metathesis is described. These catalysts, particularly those that do not bear a phosphine ligand, have been demonstrated to promote unique levels of reactivity in a variety of olefin metathesis reactions. The design and development of supported and chiral optically pure variants of this class of Ru catalysts for use in enantioselective metathesis are discussed as well. All catalysts are air stable, reusable, and can be employed with unpurified solvents.
Related Concept Videos
Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Overview
Ruthenium-based Grubbs catalyst is the most commonly used catalyst for olefin metathesis polymerization. Grubbs catalyst consists of a...
Thermal Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry
Selection Rules: Thermal Activation
Conjugated systems containing an even number of π-electron pairs undergo a conrotatory ring closure. For example, thermal electrocyclization of (2E,4E)-2,4-hexadiene, a conjugated diene containing two π-electron pairs, gives trans-3,4-dimethylcyclobutene.
Radical Reactivity: Intramolecular vs Intermolecular
Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry
Selection Rules: Photochemical Activation
Radical Reactivity: Nucleophilic Radicals
Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET)
Similar to cross-metathesis, ADMET also involves the formation of metallacyclobutane intermediate by [2+2] cycloaddition of one of the double bonds of a terminal diene with...

