E/Z product distribution in the metathesis of allyl alcohol derivatives with a first generation ruthenium-based catalyst

Based on experiments with four simple derivatives of allyl alcohol, it has been shown that the product of cross-metathesis as mediated by a ‘first generation’ ruthenium catalyst increases in its proportion of the E-isomer as the reaction progresses. This increase is due to equilibration, which is also mediated by the ruthenium catalyst.