Origin of enantioselectivity in the asymmetric Ru-catalyzed metathesis of olefins

Chiara Costabile, Luigi Cavallo*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

121 Scopus citations

Abstract

The mechanism of enantioselectivity in the asymmetric Ru-catalyzed metathesis of olefins is investigated with a theoretical approach. The models are based on the chiral N-heterocyclic (NHC)-based catalysts developed by Grubbs. Our analysis indicates that the origin of enantioselectivity in the ring-closing metathesis of achiral trienes is correlated to the chiral folding of the N-bonded aromatic groups, which is imposed by the Ph groups in positions 4 and 5 of the imidazole ring of the NHC ligand. This chiral folding of the catalyst imposes a chiral orientation around the Ru=C bond, which, in turn, selects between the two enantiofaces of the substrate. In the ring-closing transition state, the geometry in which additional groups on the forming ring are in pseudoequatorial positions is favored over transition states in which this additional group is in a pseudoaxial position. These combined effects rationalize the enantiomeric excesses experimentally obtained.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)9592-9600
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume126
Issue number31
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 11 2004
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • General Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

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