Control over the E/Z selectivity of the catalytic dimerization of group 6 (Fischer) metal carbene complexes.

The systematic investigation of the effect of different catalysts and additives in the reaction of self-dimerization of alkoxychromium(0) (Fischer) carbene complexes resulted in the selection of Pd(P(t)Bu(3))(2) to effect this transformation with good to excellent E selectivities and acceptable to excellent chemical yields. This catalyst will allow the control of the geometry in the synthesis of polyconjugated olefins, one emerging application of these catalytic reactions.