Cross-metathesis of vinylsilanes with olefins in the presence of Grubbs’ catalyst

Effective cross-metathesis of H2CC(H)SiR3, where SiR3=Si(OMe)3, Si(OEt)3, Si(OSiMe3)3, with selected olefins in the presence of (PCy3)2Cl2Ru(CHPh) (I) is described. Treatment of p-substituted styrenes, 1-alkenes and selected allyl derivatives H2CCHCH2R′ (R′=SiMe3, Si(OEt)3, Ph, OPh) with an excess of H2CC(H)SiR3 results in the formation of the respective cross-metathesis products with good yields and selectivities. The metallacarbene mechanism of the process is discussed.