Ring-Rearrangement Metathesis (RRM) Mediated by Ruthenium-Indenylidene Complexes

Several ruthenium-indenylidene complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and phosphanes have been investigated for the ring rearrangement of cyclic compounds by alkene metathesis. These catalysts were found to promote efficiently such domino reactions, especially sterically hindered NHC-containing complexes. Moreover, indenylidene-type catalysts were compared to benzylidene- and Hoveyda-type analogues. The scope of the reaction highlights the parameters governing the RRM.