When a phenol derivative, such as p-cresol, is added as co-catalyst to Grubbs’ second generation catalyst (GII) catalyzed metathesis reactions, cross-metathesis product formation is enhanced. A study of this reaction between 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and trans-anethole is investigated and conditions optimized to favor cross-metathesis product formation over undesired self-metathesis. This study focused on investigating (1) the influence substrate ratios have on the cross-metathesis:self-metathesis product distribution, (2) the impact of altering the equivalence of p-cresol have on the reaction and (3) the effect phenol variation has on the reaction progression. Results indicated that optimal cross-metathesis:self-metathesis product distribution is obtained at higher acrylate equivalences and that the ideal p-cresol:GII catalyst ratio is 100:1. Concerning the effect phenol variants have as co-catalysts, it was found that less acidic substituted phenols significantly increased the cross-metathesis product formation for these reactions

Influence of phenol derivatives as co-catalysts on the metathesis reaction between 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and trans-anethole employing Grubbs’ 2nd generation catalyst

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