The synthesis of 12-membered macrocycles containing a C1–C8 alkene unit via ring-closing metathesis

Model cross and ring-closing metathesis strategies toward the C1–C8-linear carbon skeleton are presented. The introduction of a four-atom tether enables the formation of 12-membered rings in good-to-excellent yields and stereoselectivity. Furthermore, the study revealed that the cross-metathesis approach and the formation of medium ring sizes via ring-closing metathesis are much less favorable.