Ring-closing metathesis, Kharasch addition and enol ester synthesis catalysed by a novel class of ruthenium(II) complexes

Ruthenium Schiff base complexes I–III mediated the Kharasch addition of carbon tetrachloride across olefins with high yields which markedly depended on the catalyst and the substrate used. In addition, ring-closing metathesis of some representative diolefins was carried out. The best catalytic system III is able to form tri- and tetrasubstituted double bond products. Finally, dependent of the catalytic system and the reaction conditions used, these systems can catalyse the stereoselective formation of enol esters or enynes in excellent yields.