A Missing Relative: A Hoveyda–Grubbs Metathesis Catalyst Bearing a Peri-Substituted Naphthalene Framework

Molecular scaffolds of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
can serve
as unique tools to control the molecular and electronic structure
of coordination compounds. Herein, we report the synthesis and properties
of a Hoveyda–Grubbs metathesis catalyst bearing a chelating
benzylidene ligand assembled on peri-substituted naphthalene. In contrast
to other reported naphthalene-based complexes (Barbasiewicz, M.; Grela, K. Chem. Eur. J. 2008, 14, 9330−9337), it exhibits a very fast initiation behavior, attributed to a distorted
molecular structure and reduced π-electron delocalization within
the chelate ring.