Method of making a cross metathesis product

Abstract

Method of making a cross metathesis product, the method comprising at least step (X) or step (Y): (X) reacting in a cross metathesis reaction a first compound comprising a terminal olefinic group with a second compound comprising a terminal olefinic group, wherein the first and the second compound may be identical or may be different from one another; or (Y) reacting in a ring-closing metathesis reaction two terminal olefinic groups which are comprised in a third compound; wherein the reacting in step (X) or step (Y) is performed in the presence of a ruthenium carbene complex comprising a [Ru═C]-moiety and an internal olefin.

Claims

1. A method of making a cross metathesis product, the method comprising at least step (X) or step (Y): (X) reacting in a cross metathesis reaction a first compound comprising a terminal olefinic group with a second compound comprising a terminal olefinic group, wherein the first and the second compound may be identical or may be different from one another; or (Y) reacting in a ring-closing metathesis reaction two terminal olefinic groups which are comprised in a third compound; wherein the reacting in step (X) or step (Y) is performed in the presence of a ruthenium carbene complex comprising a [Ru═C]-moiety and an internal olefin which may be a Z-olefin or an E-olefin.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein more than 1 equivalent of said internal olefin is employed per equivalent of said first or second compound, respectively said third compound.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising step (Z) after step (X) or step (Y): (Z) removing said internal olefin and/or a metathesis product which is formed from said internal olefin in step (X) or step (Y).

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said internal olefin is a C.sub.4-8 olefin.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said internal olefin is Z-2-butene or E-2-butene.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first, the second or the third compound respectively comprise one or more functional groups.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and the second compound are independently from one another an alcohol, an ether, a carboxylic acid, an ester, an aldehyde, a ketone, a halogen containing compound, an amine, an amide, an imide, a sulfone, a sulfonic acid, an ester of a sulfonic acid, an internal olefin or an alkyne; or wherein the third compound is an alcohol, an ether, a carboxylic acid, an ester, an aldehyde, a ketone, a halogen containing compound, an amine, an amide, an imide, a sulfone, a sulfonic acid, an ester of a sulfonic acid, an internal olefin or an alkyne.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and the second compound used in step (X) comprise independently an amino acid moiety or a peptide moiety.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the third compound used in step (Y) comprises a peptide moiety.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the third compound used in step (C) is of formula (B) ##STR00057## wherein AA is any amino acid moiety; A is independently hydrogen, a functional group, a protecting group, an optionally substituted amino acid residue, an optionally substituted peptide residue, a solid support, or any combination thereof; B is independently hydrogen, a functional group, a protecting group, an optionally substituted amino acid residue, an optionally substituted peptide residue, a solid support, or any combination thereof; C is independently H, C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, phenyl; p is independently 1-4; and s is independently 1-10.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the peptide formed by ring-closing metathesis of the compound of formula (B) is a stapled peptide.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein said ruthenium carbene complex comprising a [Ru═C]-moiety is of formula I: ##STR00058## wherein: M is ruthenium; each of R.sup.1 and L is independently a neutral ligand; r is 1-3; each of R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 is independently bonded to M through a sulfur or oxygen atom; R.sup.14 is a carbene; R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are taken together to form a bidentate ligand, or R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are taken together with one or more of R.sup.1, L and R.sup.14 to form a polydentate ligand; two or more of R.sup.1, L and R.sup.14 are optionally taken together to form a bidentate or polydentate ligand; and each of R.sup.1, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, L and R.sup.14 is independently and optionally linked to a tag or support.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 form a dithiolate.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein said carbene R.sup.14 is a benzylidene.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein R.sup.1 is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic carbene and r=1.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the complex is of formula 4 or formula 5 ##STR00059## wherein in formula 4 or formula 5 the substituents L and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10 and R.sup.11 have the following meaning: L is: a neutral ligand; R.sup.1 is: H; unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkyl or unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkoxy; C.sub.5-9 cycloalkyl or C.sub.5-9 cycloalkoxy; optionally bearing one or more halogen atoms, respectively; or aryl or aryloxy; optionally substituted, respectively, with one or more of unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkyl or unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkoxy, C.sub.5-9 cycloalkyl or C.sub.5-9 cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R.sup.y)(R.sup.z), wherein R.sup.y and R.sup.z are independently selected from H and C.sub.1-20 alkyl; R.sup.2 is: H; unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkyl; aryl; —C(O)R.sup.12; —C(O)OR.sup.12; —C(O)C(O)R.sup.12; —C(O)C(O)OR.sup.12; wherein R.sup.12 has the meaning of C.sub.1-20 alkyl or aryl, respectively; R.sup.12 optionally bearing one or more halogen atoms; R.sup.3 is: unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkyl; aryl; or R.sup.13—C(O)—CHR.sup.14, wherein R.sup.13 is C.sub.1-20 alkoxy and R.sup.14 is H or C.sub.1-20 alkyl; or wherein R.sup.13 is C.sub.1-20 alkoxy and R.sup.14 is C(O)—O—C.sub.1-20 alkyl; or wherein R.sup.13 is C.sub.1-20 alkyl and R.sup.14 is H; or R.sup.13 is OH and R.sup.14 is H or C.sub.1-20 alkyl; or R.sup.15—O—N(R.sup.16)—C(O)—CHR.sup.17, wherein R.sup.15, R.sup.16, and R.sup.17 are independently H or C.sub.1-20 alkyl; R.sup.4 is: H; R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10 and R.sup.11 are, independently, H; unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkyl or unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkoxy; C.sub.5-9 cycloalkyl or C.sub.5-9 cycloalkoxy; aryl; aryloxy; unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylcarbonyl; arylcarbonyl; unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkoxycarbonyl; aryloxycarbonyl; heteroaryl; carboxyl; cyano; nitro; amido; aminosulfonyl; N-heteroarylsulfonyl; unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylsulfonyl; arylsulfonyl; unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylsulfinyl; arylsulfinyl; unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylthio; arylthio; sulfonamide; halogen; or N(R.sup.y)(R.sup.z), wherein R.sup.y and R.sup.z are independently selected from H and C.sub.1-20 alkyl; or aryl or aryloxy, respectively substituted with one or more of unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkyl or unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkoxy, C.sub.5-9 cycloalkyl or C.sub.5-9 cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R.sup.y)(R.sup.z), wherein R.sup.y and R.sup.z are independently selected from H and C.sub.1-20 alkyl.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein in formula 4 or 5 the neutral ligand L is P(R.sup.x).sub.3, wherein R.sup.x is independently branched or unbranched C.sub.1-20 alkyl or C.sub.1-20 alkoxy, C.sub.5-9 cycloalkyl, or aryl; or RCN, wherein R is branched or unbranched C.sub.1-20 alkyl, C.sub.5-9 cycloalkyl, or aryl; or a carbene containing the moiety of formula 6 ##STR00060## wherein R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 as defined in formula 6 are each independently H, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkyl, C.sub.5-9 cycloalkyl, or phenyl, wherein the phenyl is optionally substituted with up to three groups independently selected from unbranched or branched C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy or halogen.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein L in formula 4 or 5 is a carbene of one of formulas 6a, 6b, 6c or 6d: ##STR00061## wherein R.sup.9 and R.sup.10 are each independently H, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkyl, or phenyl, wherein the phenyl is optionally substituted with up to three groups independently selected from unbranched or branched C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy or halogen; or R.sup.9 and R.sup.10 together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached are combined to form a carbocyclic 3 to 8 membered ring; Y and Y′ are halogen.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-6 alkyl, optionally substituted with one or more of halogen; or phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more of unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkyl or unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkoxy, C.sub.5-9 cycloalkyl or C.sub.5-9 cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R.sup.y)(R.sup.z), wherein R.sup.y and R.sup.z are independently selected from H and C.sub.1-20 alkyl.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein R.sup.2 is H.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein NR.sup.2—C(O)—R.sup.1 is in para-position with respect to O.

22. The method of claim 16, wherein R.sup.3 is methyl or isopropyl.

23. The method of claim 16, wherein R.sup.5 is H.

24. The method of claim 16, wherein R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, and R.sup.9 in formula 4 are independently selected from H and halogen.

25. The method of claim 16, wherein R.sup.10 and R.sup.11 as defined in formula 5 are independently selected from halogen and cyano.

26. The method of claim 16, wherein L is of formula 6a or 6b, and R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 as defined in formula 6a and 6b are mesityl, or 2,6-diisopropylphenyl; or wherein L is of formula ##STR00062##

27. The method of claim 16, wherein the complex is immobilized on a solid support.

28. The method of claim 15, wherein R.sup.1 as defined in claim 15 is nitrogen-containing heterocyclic carbene of structure 7 ##STR00063## wherein the A-ring is a 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-membered ring; and L in formula 7 is a linking group representing from one to four ring vertices selected from carbon with available valences optionally occupied by hydrogen or optionally substituted by C.sub.1-10 alkyl and aryl, optionally substituted; R in formula 7 represents a member selected from C.sub.1-10 alkyl and aryl, optionally substituted; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 in formula 7 represent independently members selected from C.sub.1-10 alkyl and aryl, optionally substituted.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the nitrogen-containing carbene is of formula 7a or 7b: ##STR00064## wherein R, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 in formulae 7a and 7b independently represent a member selected from C.sub.1-10 alkyl and aryl, optionally substituted.

30. The method of claim 1, wherein the complex is selected from one of the following structures: ##STR00065## and EWG is an electron-withdrawing group.

31. The method of claim 1, wherein more than 50% or 60% or 70% or 80% of the olefin formed in the metathesis reaction according to step (X) or (Y) is a Z-olefin, provided said internal olefin is a Z-olefin; or wherein the olefin formed in the metathesis reaction according to step (X) is generated predominantly as E-olefin, provided said internal olefin is an E-olefin; or wherein the olefin formed in the metathesis reaction according to step (Y) is generated predominantly as E-olefin, provided said internal olefin is an E-olefin, and the ring-closing metathesis reaction allows the formation of an E-olefin depending on the ring size.

32. A method of reducing activity loss of a Ru carbene complex comprising a [Ru═C]-moiety when using said complex in a metathesis reaction in which ethylene is developed, the method comprising step (V): (V) performing said reaction in the presence of an internal olefin.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein said internal olefin is Z-2-butene or E-2-butene.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(1) In the following, all terms in quotation marks are defined in the meaning of the invention.

(2) In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method of making a cross metathesis product, the method comprising at least step (X): (X) reacting in a cross metathesis reaction a first compound comprising a terminal olefinic group with a second compound comprising a terminal olefinic group, wherein the first and the second compound may be identical or may be different from one another;
wherein the reacting in step (X) is performed in the presence of a ruthenium carbene complex comprising a [Ru═C]-moiety and an internal olefin.

(3) In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of making a cross metathesis product, the method comprising at least step (Y): (Y) reacting in a ring-closing metathesis reaction two terminal olefinic groups which are comprised in a third compound;
wherein the reacting in step (Y) is performed in the presence of a ruthenium carbene complex comprising a [Ru═C]-moiety and an internal olefin.

(4) Internal Olefin and Effect of the Invention Caused by Said Internal Olefin

(5) It has been surprisingly found that the presence of an internal olefin in the method according to steps (X) and (Y) effectively promotes the cross metathesis reaction, respectively the ring-closing metathesis reaction, compared to reactions which are carried out in the absence of said internal olefin.

(6) Without being bound by theory, the effect may be explained such that said internal olefin reacts under the influence of the Ru carbene catalyst with a terminal olefinic group faster than said two olefinic groups of the first and the second compound, respectively the third compound, with one another. Subsequently, the formed cross metathesis product of the internal olefin with a terminal olefinic group reacts with another terminal olefinic group. Accordingly, the formation of ethylene is reduced or even avoided that might lead to the formation of undesired Ru methylidene complexes.

(7) However, even if a Ru methylidene complex is used as the catalyzing complex, it is conceivable that said internal olefin transforms said methylidene complex in a Ru carbene complex which is different from methylidene. Such formed complex is more stable than said methylidene complex and promotes metathesis.

(8) Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the ruthenium carbene complex used in step (X) or step (Y) is not a ruthenium methylidene complex.

(9) In another embodiment, the ruthenium alkylidene complex used in step (X) or step (Y) is a ruthenium methylidene complex.

(10) In one embodiment, in order to push the balance to the side of a ruthenium carbene complex which is different from a ruthenium methylidene complex, preferably an excess of said internal olefin is used relative to the first compound or the second compound or the sum of the first and the second compound, respectively relative to the third compound.

(11) In one embodiment, more than 1 equivalent of said internal olefin per equivalent of said first or second compound, respectively per equivalent of said third compound is used in step (X) or step (Y). Preferably, more than 2 or 3 or 5 or 10 or 20 equivalents of said internal olefin are used.

(12) In another embodiment, from 3 to 30 equivalents, preferably from 5 to 20 equivalents of said internal olefin are used per equivalent of said first or second compound, respectively said third compound.

(13) In one embodiment, it is advantageous if said excess of said third compound or a metathesis product produced from said internal olefin is removed subsequently to step (X) or step (Y). Metathesis products formed from said internal olefin are e.g. metathesis products with ethylene or the first, the second or the third compound.

(14) Preferably, said excess or said metathesis products may be removed by distillation, preferably by distillation in vacuo.

(15) Accordingly, in one embodiment, the method further comprises step (Z) after step (X) or step (Y): (Z) removing said internal olefin or a metathesis product which is formed from said internal olefin in step (X) or step (Y), or removing said internal olefin and a metathesis product which is formed from said internal olefin in step (X) or step (Y).

(16) In a preferred embodiment, said internal olefin is a C.sub.4-C.sub.8 olefin. In particular such C.sub.4-C.sub.8 olefins allow for a fast reactivity of said internal olefin with said first or second or third compound under metathesis conditions.

(17) The term “C.sub.4-C.sub.8 olefin” encompasses straight as well as branched olefins.

(18) In one embodiment, said internal olefin is a Z-olefin.

(19) In another embodiment, said internal olefin is an E-olefin.

(20) In a particularly preferred embodiment, said internal olefin is Z-2-butene.

(21) In another preferred embodiment, said internal olefin is E-2-butene.

(22) It has been discovered that the method according to the invention is highly Z-selective, i.e. that the olefins formed in step (X) or step (Y) are generated predominantly as Z-olefins, provided said internal olefin is a Z-olefin, preferably Z-2-butene.

(23) The term “highly Z-selective” means that more than 50% of the formed cross metathesis products are Z-olefins.

(24) In one embodiment, more than 60% or more than 70% or even more than 80% or 90% or 95% of the formed cross metathesis products are Z-olefins.

(25) It has further been discovered that the method according to the invention is E-selective, i.e. that the olefins formed in step (X) or step (Y) are generated predominantly as E-olefins, provided said internal olefin is an E-olefin, preferably E-2-butene. Furthermore, the ring-closing metathesis reaction according to step (Y) must allow the formation of an E-olefin depending on the ring size.

(26) First and Second Compounds Comprising a Terminal Olefinic Group, Respectively, and Third Compound Comprising Two Terminal Olefinic Groups

(27) The first and the second compound comprise a terminal olefinic group, respectively.

(28) Preferably, the first and the second compound comprise only one terminal olefinic group, respectively.

(29) As the first and second compound, any terminal olefin may be used.

(30) The third compound comprises two terminal olefinic groups.

(31) In a preferred embodiment, the third compound comprises only two terminal olefinic groups.

(32) Regarding the third compound comprising two terminal olefinic groups, in step (Y) a compound has to be used in which the terminal olefinic groups are spaced apart such that a ring closing metathesis reaction between said two terminal groups is possible.

(33) In one embodiment, the two terminal olefinic groups are spaced apart such that by ring-closing metathesis the formation of a 4-membered ring is possible.

(34) In a preferred embodiment, the two olefinic groups are spaced apart such that by ring-closing metathesis the formation of a 5-membered or a 6-membered ring is possible.

(35) In one embodiment, the two terminal olefinic groups are spaced apart such that by ring-closing metathesis the formation of a 7-, 8-, 9-, 10-, 11-, 12-, 13-, 14-, or 15-membered ring or even a higher membered ring is possible. Accordingly, the method according to the invention using step (Y) allows the formation of macrocycles.

(36) As first and second compounds, respectively as third compound, terminal olefins may be used containing carbon and hydrogen only.

(37) However, in a preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention is not restricted to such olefins.

(38) In one embodiment, the first, the second or the third compound respectively comprise one or more hetero atoms. Preferably, said olefins comprise O or N or S or P or halogen, or two or more thereof.

(39) In one embodiment, the first, the second or the third compound comprise one or more functional groups, respectively.

(40) The term “functional group” encompasses any functional group that is known in the art.

(41) In one embodiment, said functional groups may be selected from the group comprising or consisting of: hydroxyl, ether, carboxyl, ester, aldehyde, keto, halogen, amine, amido, imido, or sulfo group or two or more thereof. Moreover, said compounds may contain an internal olefinic group or an alkyne group.

(42) In one embodiment, according to the first aspect, the first and the second compound are independently from one another an alcohol, an ether, a carboxylic acid, a carboxylic ester, an aldehyde, a ketone, a halogen containing compound, an amine, an amide, an imide, a sulfone, a sulfonic acid, an ester of a sulfonic acid, an internal olefin or an alkyne.

(43) In one embodiment, the first and the second compound used in step (X) comprise independently at least one amino acid moiety or at least one peptide moiety.

(44) In one embodiment, said first and second compound are independently represented by the following formula (A):

(45) ##STR00010##

(46) wherein: AA is any amino acid moiety; U is CH.sub.2, NH, O, or S; W is hydrogen, a solid support, a functional group, or a protecting group; t is 0-10; and s is 1-10.

(47) In one embodiment, according to the second aspect, the third compound used in step (Y) is an alcohol, an ether, a carboxylic acid, a carboxylic ester, an aldehyde, a ketone, a halogen containing compound, an amine, an amide, an imide, a sulfone, a sulfonic acid, an ester of a sulfonic acid, an internal olefin or an alkyne.

(48) For example, the third compound is a carboxylic ester in which one terminal olefinic group is located in the carboxylic acid moiety, and the other terminal olefinic group is located in the alcohol moiety. The resulting ring-closing metathesis product is a cyclic lactone.

(49) In one embodiment, the third compound used in step (Y) comprises at least one peptide moiety.

(50) In one embodiment, the third compound is represented by the following formula (B):

(51) ##STR00011##
wherein AA is any amino acid moiety; A is independently hydrogen, a functional group, a protecting group, an optionally substituted amino acid residue, an optionally substituted peptide residue, a solid support, or any combination thereof; B is independently hydrogen, a functional group, a protecting group, an optionally substituted amino acid residue, an optionally substituted peptide residue, a solid support, or any combination thereof; C is independently H, C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, phenyl; p is independently 1-4; and s is independently 1-10.

(52) The method according to the invention using a compound of formula (B) in step (Y) may lead to the formation of a stapled peptide. The term “stapled peptide” encompasses peptides in which the peptide folding is fixed such that its conformation is stable. Such peptides are known in the art. They may be valuable products under medical aspects.

(53) Ruthenium Carbene Complexes

(54) The term “ruthenium carbene complex” encompasses all ruthenium complexes comprising a [Ru═C]-moiety.

(55) Examples are e.g. Grubbs catalysts of the first and second generation or other Ru catalysts comprising a [Ru═C]-moiety such as complexes disclosed in WO 2014/201300.

(56) Preferred ruthenium carbene complexes are alkylidene complexes, which preferably are different from a ruthenium methylidene complex, or benzylidene complexes. Said alkylidene or benzylidene groups may be substituted or unsubstituted.

(57) Accordingly, in one embodiment, the ruthenium carbene complex comprises a [Ru═CH(C.sub.1-C.sub.4)]-moiety.

(58) In another embodiment, the ruthenium carbene complex comprises a [Ru═CH(C.sub.6H.sub.5)]-moiety. The phenyl ring may at least be substituted in ortho position with a C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkoxy group.

(59) In one embodiment, the ruthenium carbene complex comprises a [Ru═C(C.sub.1-C.sub.4).sub.2]-moiety.

(60) In another embodiment, the ruthenium carbene complex comprises a [Ru═C(C.sub.6H.sub.5).sub.2]-moiety.

(61) In another embodiment, the ruthenium carbene complex comprises a [Ru═C(Hal).sub.2]-moiety, wherein Hal is halogen.

(62) In another embodiment, the ruthenium carbene complex comprises a [Ru═C(O—C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl).sub.2]-moiety.

(63) In another embodiment, the ruthenium carbene complex comprises a [Ru═C═C]-moiety.

(64) Respective complexes are known in the art, or can be prepared according to known methods.

(65) In one embodiment, the complex has the structure of formula I which are known from WO 2014/201300:

(66) ##STR00012##
wherein:
M is ruthenium;
each of R.sup.1 and L is independently a neutral ligand;
r is 1-3;
each of R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 is independently bonded to M through a sulfur or oxygen atom;
R.sup.14 is a carbene;
R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are taken together to form a bidentate ligand, or R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are taken together with one or more of R.sup.1, L and R.sup.14 to form a polydentate ligand;
two or more of R.sup.1, L and R.sup.14 are optionally taken together to form a bidentate or polydentate ligand; and
each of R.sup.1, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, L and R.sup.14 is independently and optionally linked to a tag or support.

(67) The term “R.sup.14 is a carbene” in the structure of formula I encompasses a moiety in which ruthenium and R.sup.14 form a [Ru═carbene]-moiety.

(68) In one embodiment, said ruthenium carbene complex is of formula I-a:

(69) ##STR00013##
wherein:
M is ruthenium;
each of R.sup.1 and L is independently a neutral ligand;
r is 1-3;
each of X and Y is independently —O—, —S—;
R.sup.14 is a carbene;
R.sup.15 is —B.sup.x:

(70) ##STR00014##
wherein: each Z.sup.2 is independently ═C(R.sup.x)2, ═O, ═S, ═N(R.sup.x);
each of D, E, F.sup.x, G is independently —N(R.sup.8)—, —C(R.sup.8).sub.2—, —S—, —O—, —P(R.sup.8)—, —C(O)—, or —S(O)—;
each of R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.11, R.sup.12, and R.sup.13 is independently R.sup.x, or
one R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.11, R.sup.12, or R.sup.13 is independently taken together with another R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.11, R.sup.12, or R.sup.13 on the same atom to form a ═C(R.sup.x)2, ═N(R.sup.x), ═P(R.sup.x), ═O, or ═S group; or
one R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.11, R.sup.12, Or R.sup.13 is independently taken together with another R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.1, R.sup.11, R.sup.12, or R.sup.13 on an adjacent atom to form a double bond; or
one R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.11, R.sup.12, or R.sup.13 is independently taken together with another R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.11, R.sup.12, or R.sup.13 and their intervening atoms to form an optionally substituted 3-10 membered, saturated, partially unsaturated, or aryl ring having, in addition to the intervening atoms, 0-4 heteroatoms; and
K.sup.x is an optionally substituted bivalent C.sub.1-20 aliphatic or C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic group, wherein 0-6 methylene units are optionally and independently replaced by —O—, —N(R′)—, —S—, —C(O)—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —OC(O)O—, —C(S)—, —OC(S)—, —SC(O)—, —SC(S)—, —S(O)—, —S(O).sub.2—, —OS(O).sub.2O—, —N(R′)C(O)—, —C(O)N(R′)—, —N(R′)C(O)O—, —OC(O)N(R′)—, —N(R′)C(O)N(R′)—, —P(R.sup.x)—, —P(O)(R.sup.x)—, or -Cy.sup.1-;
each R.sup.x is independently halogen, R, —CN, —C(O)N(R′).sub.2, —C(O)R, —C(O)OR, —OR, —OC(O)R, —OC(O)OR, —OC(O)N(R′).sub.2, —OSi(R).sub.3, —N(R′).sub.2, —N(R′).sub.3+, —NR′C(O)R, —NR′C(O)OR, —NR′C(O)N(R′).sub.2, —NR′SO.sub.2R, —NR′SO.sub.2N(R′).sub.2, —NR′OR, —NO.sub.2, —Si(R).sub.3, —P(R).sub.2, —P(O)(R).sub.2, —P(O)(OR).sub.2, —SR, —SC(O)R, —S(O)R, —SO.sub.2R, —SO.sub.3R, or —SO.sub.2N(R′).sub.2;
each R′ is independently R, —C(O)R, —C(O)N(R).sub.2, —C(O)OR, —SO.sub.2R, —SO.sub.2N(R).sub.2, —P(O)(OR).sub.2, or —OR; and
each R is independently hydrogen or an optionally substituted group selected from C.sub.1-20 aliphatic, C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic, phenyl, a 3-7 membered saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic ring, an 8-10 membered bicyclic saturated, partially unsaturated or aryl ring, a 5-6 membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, a 3-7 membered saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, a 7-10 membered bicyclic saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or an 8-10 membered bicyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or:
two R groups are optionally taken together with their intervening atoms to form an optionally substituted 3-10 membered, saturated, partially unsaturated, or aryl ring having, in addition to the intervening atoms, 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur;
two or more of R.sup.1, —X—R.sup.15—Y—, L and R.sup.14 are optionally taken together to form a bidentate or polydentate ligand; and
each of R.sup.1, X, R.sup.15, Y, L and R.sup.14 is independently and optionally linked to a tag or support.

(71) The term “neutral ligand” encompasses a ligand which is derived from a charge-neutral precursor. Neutral ligands are represented by e.g. heteroaromatic compounds such as pyridine, phosphines such as tricyclohexylphosphine, or ethers such as THF.

(72) The term “bidentate ligand” encompasses a ligand which is attached to Ru with two sites of the ligand.

(73) The term “polydentate ligand” encompasses a ligand which is attached to Ru with more than two sites of the ligand.

(74) In one embodiment, R.sup.14 and L are covalently linked, and each of R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 is bonded to M through sulfur.

(75) In one embodiment, the complex has the structure of formula I′:

(76) ##STR00015##
wherein:
each of R.sup.2 and R.sup.9 is independently R.sup.x; and
Z is —O—, —S—, —N(R.sup.x)—, —N═, —P(R.sup.x)—, —C(O)—, —C(S)—, —S(O)—, or —Z—R.sup.9 is halogen.

(77) In one embodiment, the complex has the structure of formula I″:

(78) ##STR00016##
wherein:
each of R.sup.2, R.sup.8, and R.sup.9 is independently R.sup.x;
Ring C is an optionally substituted group selected from phenyl, a 3-7 membered saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic ring, an 8-10 membered bicyclic saturated, partially unsaturated or aryl ring, a 5-6 membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, a 3-7 membered saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, a 7-10 membered bicyclic saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or an 8-14 membered bicyclic or tricyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur;
m is 0-6; and
Z is —O—, —S—, —N(R.sup.x)—, —N═, —P(R.sup.x)—, —C(O)—, —C(S)—, —S(O)—, or —Z—R.sup.9 is halogen.

(79) In one embodiment, the complex has the structure of formula I-b:

(80) ##STR00017##
wherein:
each of R.sup.2 and R.sup.9 is independently R.sup.x;
Ring A is an optionally substituted ring selected from phenyl, an 8-10 membered bicyclic aryl ring, a 5-6 membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or an 8-10 membered bicyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur.

(81) In one embodiment, the complex has the structure of formula I-c′:

(82) ##STR00018##
each of R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.11, R.sup.12, and R.sup.13 is independently R.sup.x, or
one R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.11, R.sup.12, or R.sup.13 is independently taken together with another R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.11, R.sup.12, or R.sup.13 on the same atom to form a ═C(R.sup.x).sub.2, ═N(R.sup.x), ═P(R.sup.x), ═O, ═S group; or
one R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.11, R.sup.12, or R.sup.13 is independently taken together with another R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.11, R.sup.12, or R.sup.13 on an adjacent atom to form a double bond; or
one R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.11, R.sup.12, or R.sup.13 is independently taken together with another R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.11, R.sup.12, or R.sup.13 and their intervening atoms to form an optionally substituted 3-10 membered, saturated, partially unsaturated, or aryl ring having, in addition to the intervening atoms, 0-4 heteroatoms; and
R.sup.3 is hydrogen or an optionally substituted group selected from C.sub.1-20 aliphatic, C.sub.1-20 heteroaliphatic, phenyl, a 3-7 membered saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic ring, a 5-6 membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a 3-7 membered saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or —Z—R.sup.3 is halogen.

(83) In one embodiment, Z is —O—, —S—, —N(R.sup.x)—, —N═, —P(R.sup.x)—, —C(O)—, —C(S)—, or —S(O)—, or and R.sup.9 is R.sup.x; or

(84) wherein —Z—R.sup.9 is halogen.

(85) In one embodiment, the complex has the structure of formula I-c:

(86) ##STR00019##
wherein:
each of R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 is independently R, —CN, halogen, —OR, —OC(O)R, —OSi(R).sub.3, —SR, —S(O)R, —S(O).sub.2R, —NO.sub.2, —N(R′).sub.2, —NR′C(O)R, —NR′C(O)OR, —NR′C(O)N(R′).sub.2, —NR′SO.sub.2R, —NR′SO.sub.2N(R′).sub.2, —NR′OR, —Si(R).sub.3, or:
R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are optionally taken together with their intervening atoms to form an optionally substituted 3-10 membered, saturated, partially unsaturated or aryl monocyclic or bicyclic ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur;

(87) In one embodiment, the complex has the structure of formula I-d:

(88) ##STR00020##

(89) In one embodiment, the complex has the structure of formula I-e:

(90) ##STR00021##

(91) In one embodiment, the complex has the structure of formula I-f:

(92) ##STR00022##

(93) In one embodiment, the complex has the structure of formula I-g:

(94) ##STR00023##

(95) In one embodiment, each of X and Y is —S—.

(96) In another embodiment, one of X or Y is —S—, and one of X or Y is —O—.

(97) In one embodiment, r is 1.

(98) In one embodiment, R.sup.1 is a nitrogen containing heterocyclic carbene (NHC). NHCs are known in the art.

(99) In one embodiment, Z is —O—.

(100) In a preferred embodiment, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 in formula I form a dithiolate, preferably a catechodithiolate. The term “catechodithiolate” encompasses a catechol in which the hydroxyl groups are replaced by thiol groups, respectively by the anions thereof.

(101) In one embodiment, said carbene is a benzylidene. Preferably, said benzylidene is at least substituted in the phenyl ring in ortho position with a C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkoxy group.

(102) In one embodiment, the complex is selected from:

(103) ##STR00024## ##STR00025## ##STR00026## ##STR00027## ##STR00028##

(104) A further complex is of structure

(105) ##STR00029##

(106) In one embodiment, the complex is dimerized or polymerized; or the complex is linked to a tag or a solid support.

(107) In another embodiment, the complex is of formula 4 or formula 5

(108) ##STR00030##
wherein in formula 4 or formula 5 the substituents L and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10 and R.sup.11 have the following meaning: L is: a neutral ligand; R.sup.1 is: H; unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkyl or unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkoxy; C.sub.5-9 cycloalkyl or C.sub.5-9 cycloalkoxy; optionally bearing one or more halogen atoms, respectively; or aryl or aryloxy; optionally substituted, respectively, with one or more of unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkyl or unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkoxy, C.sub.5-9 cycloalkyl or C.sub.5-9 cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R.sup.y)(R.sup.z), wherein R.sup.y and R.sup.z are independently selected from H and C.sub.1-20 alkyl; R.sup.2 is: H; unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkyl; aryl; —C(O)R.sup.12; —C(O)OR.sup.12; —C(O)C(O)R.sup.12; —C(O)C(O)OR.sup.12; wherein R.sup.12 has the meaning of C.sub.1-20 alkyl or aryl, respectively; R.sup.12 optionally bearing one or more halogen atoms; R.sup.3 is: unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkyl; aryl; or R.sup.13—C(O)—CHR.sup.14, wherein R.sup.13 is C.sub.1-20 alkoxy and R.sup.14 is H or C.sub.1-20 alkyl; or wherein R.sup.13 is C.sub.1-20 alkoxy and R.sup.14 is C(O)—O—C.sub.1-20 alkyl; or wherein R.sup.13 is C.sub.1-20 alkyl and R.sup.14 is H; or R.sup.13 is OH and R.sup.14 is H or C.sub.1-20 alkyl; or R.sup.15—O—N(R.sup.16)—C(O)—CHR.sup.17, wherein R.sup.15, R.sup.16, and R.sup.17 are independently H or C.sub.1-20 alkyl; R.sup.4 is: H;
R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10 and R.sup.11 are, independently, H; unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkyl or unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkoxy; C.sub.5-9 cycloalkyl or C.sub.5-9 cycloalkoxy; aryl; aryloxy; unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylcarbonyl; arylcarbonyl; unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkoxycarbonyl; aryloxycarbonyl; heteroaryl; carboxyl; cyano; nitro; amido; aminosulfonyl; N-heteroarylsulfonyl; unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylsulfonyl; arylsulfonyl; unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylsulfinyl; arylsulfinyl; unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylthio; arylthio; sulfonamide; halogen; or N(R.sup.y)(R.sup.z), wherein R.sup.y and R.sup.z are independently selected from H and C.sub.1-20 alkyl; or
aryl or aryloxy, respectively substituted with one or more of unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkyl or unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkoxy, C.sub.5-9 cycloalkyl or C.sub.5-9 cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R.sup.y)(R.sup.z), wherein R.sup.y and R.sup.z are independently selected from H and C.sub.1-20 alkyl.

(109) In one embodiment, in formula 4 or 5 the neutral ligand L is

(110) P(R.sup.x).sub.3, wherein R.sup.x is independently branched or unbranched C.sub.1-20 alkyl or C.sub.1-20 alkoxy, C.sub.5-9 cycloalkyl, or aryl; or

(111) RCN, wherein R is branched or unbranched C.sub.1-20 alkyl, C.sub.5-9 cycloalkyl, or aryl; or a carbene containing the moiety of formula 6

(112) ##STR00031##
wherein R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 as defined in formula 6 are each independently H, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkyl, C.sub.5-9 cycloalkyl, or phenyl, wherein the phenyl is optionally substituted with up to three groups independently selected from unbranched or branched C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy or halogen.

(113) In one embodiment, L in formula 4 or 5 is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic carbene (NHC) of one of formulas 6a, 6b, 6c or 6d:

(114) ##STR00032##
wherein R.sup.9 and R.sup.10 are each independently H, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkyl, or phenyl, wherein the phenyl is optionally substituted with up to three groups independently selected from unbranched or branched C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy or halogen; or
R.sup.9 and R.sup.10 together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached are combined to form a carbocyclic 3 to 8 membered ring;
Y and Y′ are halogen.

(115) In one embodiment, R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-6 alkyl, optionally substituted with one or more of halogen; or phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more of unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkyl or unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkoxy, C.sub.5-9 cycloalkyl or C.sub.5-9 cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R.sup.y)(R.sup.z), wherein R.sup.y and R.sup.z are independently selected from H and C.sub.1-20 alkyl.

(116) In one embodiment, R.sup.2 is H.

(117) In one embodiment, NR.sup.2—C(O)—R.sup.1 is in para-position with respect to O.

(118) In one embodiment, R.sup.3 is methyl or isopropyl.

(119) In one embodiment, R.sup.5 is H.

(120) In one embodiment, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, and R.sup.9 in formula 4 are independently selected from H and halogen.

(121) In one embodiment, R.sup.10 and R.sup.11 as defined in formula 5 are independently selected from halogen and cyano.

(122) In one embodiment, L is of formula 6a or 6b, preferably wherein R.sup.9 and R.sup.10 as defined in formula 6a or 6b are H, respectively, and R.sup.7 and R.sup.9 as defined in formula 6a and 6b are mesityl, or 2,6-diisopropylphenyl; or wherein L is of formula

(123) ##STR00033##

(124) In one embodiment, the compound is immobilized on a solid support.

(125) In one embodiment, the nitrogen-containing carbene (NHC) is of formula 7:

(126) ##STR00034##
wherein the A-ring is a 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-membered ring; and L in formula 7 is a linking group representing from one to four ring vertices selected from carbon with available valences optionally occupied by hydrogen or optionally substituted by C.sub.1-10 alkyl and aryl, optionally substituted. These nitrogen-containing carbenes are known from WO 2006/138166.

(127) R in formula 7 represents a member selected from C.sub.1-10 alkyl and aryl, optionally substituted. The symbols R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 in formula 7 represent independently members selected from C.sub.1-10 alkyl and aryl, optionally substituted.

(128) In a preferred embodiment, the nitrogen-containing carbene is of formula 7a or 7b:

(129) ##STR00035##
wherein R, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 in formulae 7a and 7b independently represent a member selected from C.sub.1-10 alkyl and aryl, optionally substituted.

(130) It should be noted that the nitrogen-containing carbenes falling under formula 6 and 7 may also be contained in the structure of formula I which is known from WO 2014/201300 (termed as R.sup.1 in this structure of formula I).

(131) In one embodiment, the complex is selected from compounds E1 to E11 falling under the general formulas 4 or 5

(132) ##STR00036## ##STR00037##

(133) The amide function NR.sup.2—C(O)—R.sup.1 in formula 4 and formula 5 can act as a spacer for the introduction of an ion marker (“tag”) for immobilization in an aqueous and/or ion phase as well as on a solid support. Such an ion marking enables better recycling of the catalytic complexes to be performed in aqueous/ion solvents or on a solid support (continuous flow reaction) and thus enables a clear reduction in the cost of the reaction while avoiding contamination of high added value products, in particular in the context of a pharmaceutical molecule synthesis process.

(134) Accordingly, in one embodiment, the compound of formula 4 or 5 is immobilized in an aqueous and/or ion phase or on a solid support.

(135) In another embodiment, the complex is of one of the following structures:

(136) ##STR00038##
and EWG is an electron-withdrawing group.

(137) Preferably, Ar is phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more of unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkyl or unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkoxy, or halogen.

(138) Further preferably, Alkyl is unbranched or branched C.sub.1-20 alkyl.

(139) In a third aspect, the invention relates to the use of an internal olefin as defined in the first or second aspect for reducing activity loss of a Ru carbene complex comprising a [Ru═C]-moiety when using said complex in a metathesis reaction in which ethylene is developed.

(140) Accordingly, the invention relates to a method of reducing activity loss of a Ru carbene complex comprising a [Ru═C]-moiety when using said complex in a metathesis reaction in which ethylene is developed, the method comprising step (V): (V) performing said reaction in the presence of an internal olefin.

(141) In a preferred embodiment said internal olefin is Z-2-butene.

(142) The reactions according to step (X) and step (Y), respectively step (V), may be carried out according to process conditions which are basically known in the art of making metathesis reactions.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

(143) General Procedure for Cross-Metathesis Between Two Terminal Olefins which May be the Same or which May be Different from One Another According to Step (X) (Method According to the First Aspect)

(144) In a N.sub.2-filled glovebox, an oven-dried vial equipped with a magnetic stir bar is charged with the alkene substrates (1:3 ratio), unpurified Z-2-butene (3) and a solution of the appropriate amount of catechothiolate complex Ru-2 (WO 2014/201300)

(145) ##STR00039##
dissolved in THF. The reaction vessel is then sealed. The mixture is allowed to stir at 22° C. for 4 h, after which the volatiles are removed in vacuo (typically, 100 torr for 2 mins). The flask containing the residue is then charged with a solution of the appropriate amount of Ru-2 in THF and the system is placed under 100 torr of vacuum. The resulting solution is allowed to stir for 8 h at 22° C., after which the reaction is quenched by the addition of wet (undistilled) diethyl ether and the volatiles were removed in vacuo. Purification may be performed by silica gel chromatography.

(146) The following examples show the effectiveness of the method using as internal olefin according to steps (X), (Y) or (V) Z-2-butene (3). For example, biologically active compounds such as prostaglandins may be prepared:

(147) ##STR00040## ##STR00041## ##STR00042##
(Bn=benzyl; Boc=tert-butoxycarbonyl; TBS=tert-butyldimethylsilyl)

(148) ##STR00043##

(149) The following further compounds prepared according to the method of the invention have been published (Xu C et al, J. Am. Chem. Soc, 2017 Aug. 9; 139(31): 10919-10928):

(150) ##STR00044## ##STR00045## ##STR00046## ##STR00047## ##STR00048## ##STR00049##

(151) The following example of a kinetically controlled E-selective cross-metathesis published in J. Am. Chem. Soc, 2017 Aug. 9; 139(31): 10919-10928 evidences the effectiveness of the method according to the invention using as internal olefin according to steps (X), (Y) or (V) E-2-butene:

(152) ##STR00050##

Example 2

(153) General Procedure for Macrocyclic Ring-Closing Metathesis (RCM) Represented by the Synthesis of (5R,8R,Z)-Methyl-5-benzyl-14-((S)-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanamido)-3,6,15-trioxo-1,4,7-triazacyclopentadec-10-ene-8-carboxylate (15) Prepared According to the Following Scheme (Method According to the Second Aspect):

(154) ##STR00051##

(155) In a N.sub.2-filled glove box, a solution of unpurified Z-2-butene (3) in THF (171 mg, 1.00 mmol) was added to an oven-dried vial containing (6S,9R,15S,18R)-methyl-9,18-diallyl-15-benzyl-6-(4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,2-dimethyl-4,7,10,13,16-pentaoxo-3-oxa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaazanonadecan-19-oate (14; 34.7 mg, 0.050 mmol), followed by a THF solution of Ru-2 (0.76 mg, 0.001 mmol in 200 mL THF). The vessel was sealed and the mixture was allowed to stir for 1 h at 22° C. Volatiles were then removed in vacuo and the resulting black solid residue was dissolved in THF (800 mL) and a solution of Ru-2 was added (3.78 mg, 0.005 mmol in 200 mL THF). The resulting solution was allowed to stir for 48 h at 35° C. The reaction was then quenched by the addition of wet (undistilled) diethyl ether and the volatiles were removed in vacuo. The resulting black solid residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (1-3% MeOH in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2).

(156) Compound 15 may be regarded as a stapled peptide.

(157) It is noteworthy to mention that if compound 15 is prepared in the presence of Grubbs catalyst Ru-1a

(158) ##STR00052##
however in the absence of internal olefin Z-2-butene, conversion is low.

(159) The following compound was correspondingly prepared in a macrocyclisation reaction, wherein a high Z-selectivity was achieved:

(160) ##STR00053##

(161) In turn, without the addition of an internal olefin such as Z-2-butene, the conversion of compound 10a to compound 11a proceeds to 5% only compared to 75% conversion if the reaction is carried out in the presence of said internal olefin.

(162) The following macrocycles 11 b to 11 j were prepared using respective starting materials and the method according to the invention:

(163) ##STR00054## ##STR00055##

(164) An example of a kinetically controlled macrocyclisation published in J. Am. Chem. Soc, 2017 Aug. 9; 139(31): 10919-10928) prepared according to the method of the invention is depicted below:

(165) ##STR00056##