The development of metathesis reactions in organic chemistry

The 2005 Nobel Prize in chemistry has been awarded to three chemists, Yves Chauvin, Robert H. Grubbs and Richard R. Schrock, each of whom has played a significant part in the development of metathesis.   

Metathesis (literally "change places") reactions involve the breaking and rearrangement of carbon bonds in the presence of specialised catalysts. 

Metathesis is significant to green chemistry because: 

• Reactions are more efficient (fewer steps, fewer resources, less waste)
• Reactions are easier to use (stable under ambient conditions)
• Environmentally benign (non-hazardous solvents, less hazardous waste)     

The Green Chemistry team would like to congratulate the Nobel Laureates and acknowledge this significant endorsement of the field of green chemistry.