The Application of Olefin Metathesis to the Synthesis of Biologically Active Macrocyclic Agents

Recent developments of the metathesis reaction in the area of biologically active molecules are presented. Scope and limitations of ring-closing metathesis to form medium and large rings are discussed and illustrated by the epothilone synthesis. Applications of the metathesis reaction related to medicinal chemistry, including solid phase synthesis and combinatorial chemistry are presented.