The elusive mechanism of olefin metathesis promoted by (NHC)ru-based catalysts: A trade between steric, electronic, and solvent effects

Abstract

The reaction mechanism operative in olefin metathesis has been and still is a challenging area of research. Here we contribute to the discussion showing that the actual mechanism is a balance of the title effects. In particular, we show that the electronic and solvent effects evidenced by experimental studies can be easily counterbalanced by steric effects. Copyright © 2006 American Chemical Society.