The invention is directed to ruthenium-based metathesis catalysts of the Grubbs-Hoveyda type. The new 2-aryloxy-substituted ruthenium catalysts described herein reveal rapid initiation behavior. Further, the corresponding styrene-based precursor compounds are disclosed. The catalysts are prepared in a cross-metathesis reaction starting from styrene-based precursors which can be prepared in a cost-effective manner.

The new Grubbs-Hoveyda type catalysts are suitable to catalyze ring-closing metathesis (RCM), cross metathesis (CM) and ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Low catalyst loadings are necessary to convert a wide range of substrates including more complex and critical substrates via metathesis reactions at low to moderate temperatures in high yields within short reaction times.

Synthetic methods are described herein operable to efficiently produce a wide variety of molecular species through conjugate additions via decarboxylative mechanisms. For example, methods of functionalization of peptide residues are described, including selective functionalization of peptide C-terminal residues. In one aspect, a method of peptide functionalization comprises providing a reaction mixture including a Michael acceptor and a peptide and coupling the Michael acceptor with the peptide via a mechanism including decarboxylation of a peptide reside.

The present invention refers to novel ruthenium-based catalysts for olefin metathesis reactions, particularly to fast initiating catalysts having stereoselective properties. In olefin metathesis reactions, the disclosed catalysts provide a high catalytic activity combined with the capability to generate higher yields of the olefin metathesis product.

A method for producing alkyl substituted benzene includes (a) providing a starting material selecting from the group consisting of furan, an alkyl substituted furan, 2-methylfuran, 2,3-dimethylfuran, 2,4-dimethylfuran, 2,5-dimethylfuran, 2,5-hexanedione, and combinations thereof, and (b) subjecting the starting material to a cycloaddition reaction with a monoene in the absence of solvent and in the presence of the metal triflate catalyst to produce an alkyl substituted benzene.

Synthetic methods are described herein operable to efficiently produce a wide variety of molecular species through conjugate additions via decarboxylative mechanisms. For example, methods of functionalization of peptide residues are described, including selective functionalization of peptide C-terminal residues. In one aspect, a method of peptide functionalization comprises providing a reaction mixture including a Michael acceptor and a peptide and coupling the Michael acceptor with the peptide via a mechanism including decarboxylation of a peptide reside.

The present invention is drawn to artificial metalloenzymes for use in cyclopropanation reactions, amination and CH insertion.

The invention is directed to ruthenium-based metathesis catalysts of the Grubbs-Hoveyda type. The new 2-aryloxy-substituted ruthenium catalysts described herein reveal rapid initiation behavior. Further, the corresponding styrene-based precursor compounds are disclosed. The catalysts are prepared in a cross-metathesis reaction starting from styrene-based precursors which can be prepared in a cost-effective manner.

The new Grubbs-Hoveyda type catalysts are suitable to catalyze ring-closing metathesis (RCM), cross metathesis (CM) and ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Low catalyst loadings are necessary to convert a wide range of substrates including more complex and critical substrates via metathesis reactions at low to moderate temperatures in high yields within short reaction times.

Disclosed herein are palladium-catalyzed dehydrogenation processes of carboxylic acids to make ?, ?-unsaturated carboxylic acids or ?-alkylidene butenolides. The processes allow the chemoselective dehydrogenation of carboxylic acids in the presence of other enolizable functionalities such as ketones, providing reactivity that is inaccessible with existing carbonyl desaturation protocols.

The present disclosure provides Titanium (IV) compounds and methods of making heterocyclic compounds such as pyrroles using Titanium (IV) compounds. In certain embodiments, the Titanium (IV) compound is present in catalytic amounts.

The present invention refers to novel ruthenium-based catalysts for olefin metathesis reactions, particularly to fast initiating catalysts having stereoselective properties. In olefin metathesis reactions, the disclosed catalysts provide a high catalytic activity combined with the capability to generate higher yields of the olefin metathesis product.