Catalytic Linear Coupling Reactions of Substituted Alkenes and Dienes Promoted by a Ruthenium (0) Complex: Chemo-, Regio- and Diastereoselective Carbon-Carbon Bond Formation Reactions by an Oxidative Coupling Mechanism

Abstract

A series of catalytic linear dimerizations of substituted alkenes and dienes are promoted by zero-valent ruthenium complexes. These reactions are considered to proceed by an oxidative coupling mechanism because some key intermediates such as a ruthenacyclopentane have been isolated. The key for the reaction is 4π and 2π coordinations in a 6-electron coordination site on highly Lewis basic Ru (0), where chemo-, prochiral and regio-selective coordination and coupling reaction of substrates are taking place to give the linear dimers.