A pH-controlled recyclable indolinooxazolidine tagged N-heterocyclic carbene Ru catalyst for olefin metathesis

An indolinooxazolidine tagged N-heterocyclic carbene Ru olefin metathesis catalyst was synthesized and the molecular structure of this new Ru complex was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. This complex is a homogeneous catalyst and can be recovered by controlling the polarity of the indolinooxazolidine tag. Under acidic conditions the indolinooxazolidine tag exists as an open protonated form and under basic conditions the tag is in a closed form. The distribution of this catalyst in a two-phase system can be controlled by simply changing the pH, making the recovery of this catalyst easily obtainable.