Ruthenium-Catalyzed Olefin Metathesis in Ionic Liquids

Abstract
Ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazoliumhexafluorophosphate ([bmim]PF6) is described as an effective medium for ring-closing metathesis (RCM) using Grubbs catalysts. When [bmim]PF6 was used as solvent, the RCM showed high conversions and a broad substrate tolerance. [bmim]PF6 and the ruthenium catalyst were recycled after extraction of the product in the organic phase for at least three cycles.