Grubbs' Catalyst - First Generation Catalyst

First Generation Catalyst

The first well-defined ruthenium catalyst for olefin metathesis was discovered in 1992. It was prepared from RuCl₂(PPh₃)₄ and diphenylcyclopropene.

This initial ruthenium catalyst was followed in 1995 by what is now known as the first generation Grubbs catalyst. It is easily synthesized from RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃, phenyldiazomethane, and tricyclohexylphosphine in a one-pot synthesis.

The first generation Grubbs catalyst, while largely replaced by the second generation catalyst in usage, was not only the first catalyst to be developed other than those developed by Richard R. Schrock (Schrock carbenes), but is also important as a precursor to all other Grubbs-type catalysts.