Brønsted Acid-Catalyzed Carbonyl-Olefin Metathesis inside a Self-Assembled Supramolecular Host

Carbonyl-olefin metathesis represents a powerful yet underdeveloped method for the formation of carbon-carbon bonds. So far, no Brønsted acid based method for the catalytic carbonyl-olefin metathesis has been described. Herein, a cocatalytic system based on a simple Brønsted acid (HCl) and a self-assembled supramolecular host is presented. The developed system compares well with the current benchmark catalyst for carbonyl-olefin metathesis in terms of substrate scope and yield of isolated product. Control experiments provide strong evidence that the reaction proceeds inside the cavity of the supramolecular host. A mechanistic probe indicates that a stepwise reaction mechanism is likely.