Ring-opening metathesis

Ring-opening metathesis is a chemical reaction where a ring-shaped molecule (a cyclic compound) is opened up and transformed into a linear or different structure. This process uses a special catalyst (often a metal-based complex) to break the bonds holding the ring together and create new bonds that rearrange the atoms. It’s widely used in organic synthesis to modify complex molecules, build new polymers, or create materials with specific properties. Essentially, it’s a controlled way to open and restructure rings in molecules, enabling chemists to design and produce a variety of useful substances efficiently.