A Missing Relative: A Hoveyda–Grubbs Metathesis Catalyst Bearing a Peri-Substituted Naphthalene Framework

Abstract

Molecular scaffolds of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can serve as unique tools to control the molecular and electronic structure of coordination compounds. Herein, we report the synthesis and properties of a Hoveyda–Grubbs metathesis catalyst bearing a chelating benzylidene ligand assembled on peri-substituted naphthalene. In contrast to other reported naphthalene-based complexes (Barbasiewicz, M. and Grela, K.Chem. Eur. J. 2008, 14, 9330−9337), it exhibits a very fast initiation behavior, attributed to a distorted molecular structure and reduced π-electron delocalization within the chelate ring.