title: Key processes in ruthenium-catalysed olefin metathesis.
abstract: While the fundamental series of [2+2]cycloadditions and retro[2+2]cycloadditions that make up the pathways of ruthenium-catalysed metathesis reactions is well-established, the exploration of mechanistic aspects of alkene metathesis continues. In this Feature Article, modern mechanistic studies of the alkene metathesis reaction, catalysed by well-defined ruthenium complexes, are discussed. Broadly, these concern the processes of pre-catalyst initiation, propagation and decomposition, which all have a considerable impact on the overall efficiency of metathesis reactions.
authors.affiliation: EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9ST, UK. snolan@st-andrews.ac.uk.
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Manzini
authors.forename: César A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Urbina-Blanco
authors.forename: Steven P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Nolan