04/2014

The Houk and Grubbs groups have collaborated to investigate the mechanism of C–H activation at metathesis-relevant ruthenium(II) benzylidene complexes.

Synthesis of the metal complex at low temperature allowed for the direct observation of the C–H activation step, independent of the initial anionic ligand-exchange reaction. Combining these experimental findings with theoretical studies a clear picture of the mechanism and associated transition states was constructed.