Cross-metathesis of 1,3-dienes with electron-deficient olefins

Cross-metathesis reactions between 1,3-dienes and electron-deficient olefins have been investigated. Terminal monosubstituted 1,3-dienes afforded low yields of the desired CM products due to competing cleavage of the internal double bond. This undesired cleavage is successfully suppressed in the case of 1,3-dienes containing a sterically more congested internal double bond. Methyl vinyl ketone as the coupling partner was shown to provide the best yields.