Microwave enabled external carboxymethyl substituents in the ring-closing metathesis

The ring-closing metathesis of diolefin substrates containing an external carboxymethyl substituent is presented. The reaction is enabled through microwave irradiation allowing greatly enhanced yields and conversion rates. The reaction results in the formation of carboxymethyl substituted dihydropyrroles, dihydrofurans, and cyclopentenes. In certain cases, pyrroles are formed through further in situ oxidation.