Alkene Metathesis

Alkene metathesis is a chemical reaction where carbon-carbon double bonds (alkenes) between molecules are broken and then reformed, allowing the exchange of parts. This process effectively "swaps" segments of the molecules, creating new alkene structures. It’s widely used in chemistry for building complex molecules, enabling more efficient and selective synthesis of pharmaceuticals, plastics, and other materials. The reaction is typically facilitated by a catalyst, usually containing metals like molybdenum or ruthenium, which helps the process proceed smoothly under controlled conditions.