Synthesis and Application of Stereoretentive Ruthenium Catalysts on the Basis of the M7 and the Ru–Benzylidene–Oxazinone Design

A series of new stereoretentive ruthenium catalysts bearing the dithiocatecholate ligand was synthesiszed on the basis of the M7 and Ru–benzylidene–oxazinone design. The activity of the catalysts was tested in ring-opening cross-metathesis reactions, ring-closing metathesis reactions, cross-metathesis reactions, and self-metathesis reactions using Z- and E-configured starting materials. The desired metathesis products were obtained with moderate to high yields and with excellent stereoselectivities (>95%). Substrate-dependent reactivity was found by carrying out kinetic studies on internal and terminal olefins.