Polyethylene Oligomer Supported Olefin Metathesis Catalysts

Polyethylene (PE) oligomer supported N-heterocyclic carbene ruthenium complex 1 as a recyclable ring-closing metathesis (RCM) catalyst was described. The polymeric complex 1 exhibited thermomorphic solubility, ­being insoluble in toluene at 25 ˚C and soluble at 65 ˚C. The homogeneous RCM with 1 was performed in toluene at 65 ˚C, and cooling to 25 ˚C led to precipitation of 1. The reaction system afforded quantitative products with high recyclability.