Heterogeneous catalysts for olefin metathesis

Over the past 30 years, many strategies have been developed to immobilize well-defined metathesis catalysts on solid supports. The use of heterogeneous catalysis resulted in increased purity of the product and the possibility of recycling the catalyst. This review presents the short history of heterogeneous catalysts used in numerous types of olefin metathesis with particular emphasis on examples from recent years. The main focus was put on immobilized ruthenium alkylidene complexes based on ionic liquids, as a new promising approach, which includes noncovalent immobilization that gained interest recently. Methods of attaching catalysts and types of carriers are also presented. Homogeneous catalysts are discussed in order to emphasize the influence and potential of immobilization on the activity and selectivity of heterogeneous catalysts in olefin metathesis. [Display omitted] •Recent review of advantages of heterogeneous catalysts used for olefin metathesis.•Long term activity of catalyst with low Ru contamination is of high importance.•Immobilized ruthenium alkylidene complexes based on ionic liquids gained interest.•Methods of attaching catalysts and types of carriers are crucial for catalysis.