FIELD: chemistry.
SUBSTANCE: enhanced catalysts useful in a range of reactions in organic synthesis, such as olefin substitution and atom or group transfer reactions, are described. The catalysts are obtained by bringing a poly-coordination complex of a group VIII metal - ruthenium, including a Schiff base polydentate ligand and one or more other ligands, into contact with an acid under such conditions that the said acid can partially break the bond between the metal and the Schiff base polydentate ligand of the said metal complex, optionally through intermediate protonation of the said Schiff base ligand.
EFFECT: improved method.
17 cl, 43 ex, 3 tbl
