Making the family portrait complete: Synthesis of Electron Withdrawing Group activated Hoveyda-Grubbs catalysts bearing sulfone and ketone functionalities

Synthesis of five Electron Withdrawing Group (EWG) activated Hoveyda-Grubbs’ catalysts containing thioperfluoroalkyl, sulfone and ketone functions is reported. The catalytic activity of these catalysts was well correlated with the σp values of the Hammett constants for the respective EWGs. Importantly, one of new catalysts gave good results in synthesis of a macrocyclic precursor of anti-HCV agent BILN2061.