Phosphabicyclononane-containing ru complexes: efficient pre-catalysts for olefin metathesis reactions.

The catalytic performances of three Phosphabicyclononane (Phoban)-containing ruthenium-based pre-catalysts have been evaluated for metathesis transformations. A wide screening of substrates in ring-closing metathesis reactions reveals the greater efficiency of pre-catalyst 4. Comparison of the catalytic activities of 4 with Grubbs' first-generation pre-catalyst illustrates the key role of the Phoban ligand.

High-resolution solid-state NMR studies of poly(vinyl phosphonic acid) proton-conducting polymer: molecular structure and proton dynamics.

The structure and the local proton mobility of poly(vinyl phosphonic acid) were studied by solid-state NMR under fast magic-angle spinning. At elevated temperatures, the signature of the hydrogen-bonded P-OH protons is observed in 1H magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR as a single resonance at 10.5 ppm.

DFT prediction and experimental observation of substrate-induced catalyst decomposition in ruthenium-catalyzed olefin metathesis.

Ruthenacyclobutane decomposition, involving competitive beta-hydride transfer to Ru and reductive olefin elimination during ruthenium-catalyzed olefin metathesis, is predicted by density functional theory calculations and experimentally confirmed by propene and butene formation during degenerate Ru-methylidene-catalyzed metathesis of ethylene. The results provide new focus on the nature of ruthenium metathesis catalyst decomposition under catalytic conditions.

Preparation and characterisation of palladium, platinum and manganese di(organo)carbene complexes from quinolinone and quinolinium precursors.

A series of palladium, platinum and manganese di(organo)carbene complexes have been prepared from 4-chloro-N-methylquinolinone by processes that involve alkylation before or after attachment to the metal unit; the nucleophilic heteroatoms are separated from the C-donor atom by three bonds.