Synthesis, reaction, and recycle of light fluorous Grubbs-Hoveyda catalysts for alkene metathesis.

Light fluorous versions of first- and second-generation Grubbs-Hoveyda metathesis catalysts are introduced. These exhibit the expected reactivity profile, are readily recovered from reaction mixtures by fluorous solid-phase extraction, and can be routinely reused five or more times. The catalysts can be used in a stand alone fashion, or supported on fluorous silica gel.