Stereochemistry of ring-opening/cross metathesis reactions of exo- and endo-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2-carbonitriles with allyl alcohol and allyl acetate.

The ROCM reactions of exo- and endo-2-cyano-7-oxanorbornenes with allyl alcohol or allyl acetate promoted by different ruthenium alkylidene catalysts were studied. The stereochemical outcome of the reactions was established. The issues concerning chemo- (ROCM vs ROMP), regio- (1-2- vs 1-3-product formation), and stereo- (E/Z isomerism) selectivity of reactions under various conditions are discussed. Surprisingly good yields of the ROCM products were obtained under neat conditions.