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Olefin Metathesis

Olefin Metathesis (Coupling.) Converts C=CC to CC=CC using Grubbs catalyst (Ru-based).

Coupling

Reaction details

Name

Olefin Metathesis

Type

Coupling

Starting Material

C=CC

Product

CC=CC

Reagents
  • Grubbs catalyst (Ru-based)

Mechanism
  1. Smiles

    C=CC

    Description

    Propene (two equivalents)

  2. Smiles

    CC=CC

    Description

    2-Butene + ethene (redistribution of alkene partners)

Tips
  1. Swaps alkene partners (2 RCH=CH₂ → RCH=CHR + CH₂=CH₂)

  2. Ring-closing metathesis (RCM) makes rings

  3. Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP)

  4. Nobel Prize 2005 (Grubbs, Schrock, Chauvin)

  5. Mechanism: metal-carbene via metallacyclobutane (Chauvin mechanism)

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