Homogeneous Catalysis using Cycloruthenated Complexes

A recent review from the University of Manchester highlights the potential and versatility of cycloruthenated complexes for a variety of homogeneous reactions including C–H activation, Z-selective olefin metathesis, asymmetric cyclopropanations, cycloadditions, transfer hydrogenation, and chiral-at-metal catalysis. Research on late-stage functionalisation of complex molecules such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) including diazepam, atazanavir and sulfaphenazole was highlighted (Findlay, Domingo-Legarda, McArthur, Yen, & Larrosa, 2022)

Figure 1. Use of Cycloruthenated Complexes for Late Stage Functionalisation of Molecules (Findlay, Domingo-Legarda, McArthur, Yen, & Larrosa, 2022)

Research in this area has been ongoing for decades, however it is interesting when patents start to appear which can indicate future potential for commercialisation. One such patent was recently applied for by a French consortium in collaboration with the University of California describing a new class of homogeneous ruthenium catalysts for asymmetric ring-opening cross-metathesis (AROCM) reactions. The patent application describes (R)- and (S)-CAAC-Ru metathesis catalysts (CAAC = Cyclic Alkyl Amino Carbene) which have chiral cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbene ligands. An example for an AROCM reaction is shown in Figure 2 below. (Jazzar, et al., 2022)

Enabled Future Limited has recently completed a major consulting assignment for a multinational company (MNC) on the use of PGM homogeneous catalysts for a range of fine chemicals including estimates of catalyst and metal demand based on scientific and commercial market information.

Figure 2 Asymmetric Ring Opening Cross Metathesis (AROCM) using a novel ruthenium- carbene complex. (Jazzar, et al., 2022)

Findlay, M. T., Domingo-Legarda, P., McArthur, G., Yen, A., & Larrosa, I. (2022). Catalysis with cycloruthenated complexes. Chem. Sci, 13, 3335-3362.
Jazzar, R., Betrand, G., Vermersch, F., Vanthuyne, N., Mauduit, M., & Morvan, J. (2022, January 13). WO2022008679A1. RUTHENIUM COMPLEXES, THEIR OPTICALLY PURE ENANTIOMERS AND USES THEREOF.