Abstract Propene metathesis has been studied at 295 K and 1 atm in He or in H 2 with MoO 3− x/Al 2 O 3 catalysts which were reduced at 673 K. Some catalysts were modified by exposing them to diazomethane vapor prior to testing. The diazomethane was synthesized shortly before use; it was stored by dissolving its vapor in di-n-butyl phthalate. Metathesis of the unmodified catalysts revealed an induction period during which the activity increased; ...
