Notwithstanding the instability of the tetraene 25, we attempted
to induce the planned double RCM. However, to our dismay,
when impure 25 was subjected to a number of RCM conditions
using a variety of standard precatalysts (Fig. 2), none of the desired
product 27, which would arise from the anticipated double RCM
process, was observed. Under all of the conditions tried, the major
isolable product was the mono-cyclized product 26, which was
formed in at best 50% yield. Attempts to drive the reaction to 27 at
higher temperatures and using microwave heating were uniformly
unsuccessful. Even the Grubbs-Stewart catalyst, which is known to
show increased reactivity towards sterically hindered olefins,14
failed to provide 27. In retrospect the inability to close the E ring
in 27 via RCM is not completely surprising because electron
deficient olefins are known to react more slowly in such cyclizations.
15 Moreover, the acrylate is also a 2,2-disubstituted olefin, and
such alkenes are also known to be less reactive toward RCM.