Metathesis of a novel dienediyne system: A unique example involving the usage of in situ generated ethylene as cross-enyne metathesis partner

A unique example of sequential ring-closing metathesis and cross-enyne metathesis is reported. Here, the in situ generated ethylene by product from ring-closing metathesis is trapped by alkyne moiety. No metathesis product formation was observed with more reactive second generation catalyst in the absence of ethylene. Differential chemoselectivity with the first and second generation Grubbs’ catalyst has been observed when the reaction was performed in presence of the external source of ethylene.