Styrene Cross-metathesis Using Low Catalyst Concentrations

A new study reports on the use of low concentrations of metathesis catalysts (~ 0.009 mol. %) in the cross-metathesis of styrene to afford relatively good yields (87%) of trans-stilbene (the cross-metathesis homodimer product). The reaction was carried out under aerobic conditions after 3-5 h reflux. Also, a theoretical prediction of the cross-metathesis product at ultra-low concentrations is presented.