Cross-metathesis of allyl halides with olefins bearing an α-alkoxy amide group

We have examined whether the allyl halide cross-metathesis reaction tolerates α-alkoxy amide groups. Ruthenium-based catalysts I–III did not catalyze the cross-metathesis of allyl halides in the presence of an α-alkoxy N,N-dimethylamide group to any appreciable extent, but the reaction could tolerate either a bulky N,N-diisopropylamide or Weinreb amide group. In particular, the Grubbs–Hoveyda–Blechert 2nd generation catalyst (III) efficiently catalyzed the cross-metathesis of allyl halides with olefins bearing a Weinreb amide group.