AN APPROACH TO BOTRYDIANES - ON THE STERIC DEMANDS OF A METAL-CATALYZED ENYNE METATHESIS

The synthetic scope of a transition metal catalyzed enyne metathesis a s a synthesis of 1-alkenylcycloalkenes is tested. Contrary to normal e xpectations based upon the important sensitivity of transition metal c atalyzed reactions to steric effects, severe steric congestion enhance s the effectiveness of the reaction. While palladium based catalysts a re generally preferred, a platinum catalyst also effects these novel c yclorearrangements.