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.

Provided herein are methods of producing polymers from furan and optionally diol compounds, using an organocatalyst. A polymer composition comprising a polymer prepared by the method is contemplated. Provided herein are also polymer compositions, such as poly(alkylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate). In some embodiments, polymer compositions have any one of the characteristics discussed herein, or any combinations thereof.

Disclosed are novel metal organic compounds, a method for their production and their use to make catalytically active compounds, which can be used in well-established methods of organic synthesis.

This invention relates to novel catalyst compositions based on Ruthenium- or Osmium-based complex catalysts of the Grubbs-Hoveyda, Grela or Zhan type and specific co-catalysts comprising at least one vinyl group, pref. ethyl vinyl ether, and to a process for selectively hydrogenating nitrile rubbers in the presence of such catalyst compositions, preferably with a preceding metathesis step using the same complex catalyst as in the hydrogenation step.

Provided herein are nickel(O) catalysts that are stable when exposed to air and can be used to catalyze the formation of a CC, CO, or CN bond.

The present invention relates to ligands based on calixarenes, metal complexes including such ligands and their use as homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysts.

A method for separating a homogeneous catalyst from a solution includes forming a host-guest compound between a first isomer of the catalyst and inclusion compound in the solution and isolating the host-guest compound from the solution. The catalyst may be released from the inclusion compound by converting the first isomer of the catalyst to a second isomer of the catalyst.

The present invention addresses to a process for producing olefins and esters in the C10 to C13 range from fatty acid esters through a catalytic hydrogenation reaction followed by cross-metathesis of the hydrogenated product with light olefins.

In a ruthenium complex compound according to the present invention, an NHC ligand has an excellent electron-donating ability to stabilize methylidene species due to the steric interaction between substituents having relatively different sizes. The ruthenium complex compound can improve selectivity when used as a catalyst due to having an asymmetric structure, and the activity of the ruthenium complex compound can be improved by adjusting substituents and additives. Accordingly, the ruthenium complex compound can be used as a catalyst in cross metathesis reactions including ethenolysis to produce desired compounds such as linear ?-olefins at high yield, even under relatively mild conditions.

The invention provides a method for synthesizing musk macrocycles comprising contacting an easily accessible diene starting materials bearing a Z-olefin moiety and performing a ring closing metathesis reaction in the presence of a Group 8 olefin metathesis catalyst.