Improved cross-metathesis of acrylate esters catalyzed by 2nd generation ruthenium carbene complexes

The performance of cross-metathesis reactions between acrylate esters and olefins catalyzed by Grubbs catalysts have been enhanced by the simple addition of p-cresol. For example, the efficiency of the cross metathesis reaction between methyl acrylate and 1-decene catalyzed by 2 was significantly increased by addition of p-cresol to the reaction mixture, resulting in increased product yields and E/Z ratios.