Synthesis and Reactivity of Olefin Metathesis Catalysts Bearing Cyclic (Alkyl)(Amino)Carbenes

All it's CAACed up to be! Cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes (CAACs) can be used as ligands for olefin metathesis catalysis. A dramatic steric effect of the N-aryl group of the CAAC on catalyst activity was observed and utilized to develop a new catalyst with activity comparable to standard commercially available catalysts.