Tail-to-tail dimerization of methyl acrylate in the presence of triphenylarsine ruthenium complexes.

Catalytic dimerization of methyl acrylate by homogenous ruthenium catalysts was investigated. The effect of the addition of acidic additives, supporting ligands, polymerization inhibitor, and reaction conditions on the selectivity of dimerization was studied, and possible reaction mechanism was discussed. Conversion and selectivity were significantly affected by using triphenylarsine as supporting ligand. Under mild conditions, conversion up to 98% with good selectivity to tail-to-tail product was achieved. Dimerization of methyl acrylate by ruthenium-based homogenous catalysts. The effect of the addition of supporting ligands on selectivity was studied. Conversion and selectivity were significantly affected by using triphenyl arsine. Possible reaction mechanism to achieve the tail to tail product was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]