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Updated: May 4, 2026

Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers
Published on: December 16, 2022
General catalyst control of the monoisomerization of 1-alkenes to trans-2-alkenes
Casey R Larsen1, Gulin Erdogan, Douglas B Grotjahn
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego State University , San Diego, California 92182-1030, United States.
Abstract:
After searching for the proper catalyst, the dual challenges of controlling the position of the double bond, and cis/trans-selectivity in isomerization of terminal alkenes to their 2-isomers are finally met in a general sense by mixtures of (C5Me5)Ru complexes 1 and 3 featuring a bifunctional phosphine. Typically, catalyst loadings of 1 mol % of 1 and 3 can be employed for the production of (E)-2-alkenes at 40-70 °C. Catalyst comprising 1 and 3 avoids more than any other known example the thermodynamic equilibration of alkene isomers, as the trans-2-alkenes of both nonfunctionalized and functionalized alkenes are generated.
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