Abstract The synthesis and heterogenization of new Grubbs–Hoveyda type metathesis catalysts by chlorine exchange is described. Substitution of one or two chlorine ligands with trifluoroacetate and trifluoromethanesulfonate was accomplished by reaction of [RuCl 2 ([DOUBLE BOND] CH-o-iPr-OC 6 H 4)(IMesH 2)](IMesH 2= 1, 3-bis (2, 4, 6-trimethylphenyl)- 4, 5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene) with the silver salts CF 3 COOAg and CF 3 SO 3 Ag, ...