Grubbs Gen2

Other names: second-generation Grubbs catalyst, [1,3-bis-(2,4,6-tri­methyl­phenyl)-2-imid­azolidinyl­idene]dichloro(phenyl­methylene)(tri­cyclo­hexyl­phosphino)ruthenium

C₄₆H₆₅Cl₂N₂PRu

10/50 common

The second-generation Grubbs catalyst is a ruthenium-based complex that improved upon its predecessor, enabling faster and more efficient olefin metathesis with expanded functional group tolerance. Its structure features a ruthenium center coordinated to a benzylidene ligand, a tricyclohexylphosphine (PCy₃) ligand, two chloride ligands, and a strongly donating N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand, which enhances stability and catalytic activity. In its pure form, Grubbs Gen2 appears as a pinkish brown crystalline solid.