Reversible aqueous metathesis reactions for potential application in dynamic combinatorial chemistry

Solutions of heterocycles having an allyl sulfide unit and simple alkenes in 50% t-BuOH/H2O undergo reversible olefin metathesis reactions with the second generation Hoveyda–Grubbs catalyst. The choice of functional groups is limited by competitive chelation of some heterocycles with the catalyst, and other stereoelectronic effects.