Enyne Metathesis: A Catalytic, Cross-Selective Diene Synthesis

Methods for the synthesis of 1,3-dienes by intermolecular enyne metathesis are described. A brief overview of enyne metathesis is provided with a discussion of the scope and limitations with respect to reactants and catalyst. The surge of recent interest in metathesis generally and the cross enyne metathesis specifically, has closely matched the development of the functional group-tolerant Grubbs’ carbene catalysts.