Choosing the right catalyst for your research can significantly impact both your budget and experimental outcomes. Grubbs catalysts, particularly the 1st and 2nd generations, are indispensable for olefin metathesis in organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, and drug discovery. But with Sigma Aldrich’s premium pricing, how do you decide which generation offers the best balance of cost and efficiency?

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences, price comparisons, and performance trade-offs between Grubbs 1st and 2nd Generation Catalysts—and introduce a trusted supplier alternative to help you maximize savings without compromising quality.

Grubbs 1st Gen vs. 2nd Gen: Key Differences

Before diving into pricing, it’s critical to understand the structural and functional differences between these two catalysts:

1. Catalyst Structure

• Grubbs 1st Gen: [RuCl₂(PCy₃)₂(=CHPh)]
  • Features two tricyclohexylphosphine (PCy₃) ligands.
  • Ideal for simple, terminal alkene metathesis.
• Grubbs 2nd Gen: [RuCl₂(IMes)(PCy₃)(=CHPh)]
  • Replaces one PCy₃ ligand with a bulkier N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC).
  • Enhanced stability and activity for sterically hindered alkenes.

2. Performance Comparison

3. Cost Differences

Grubbs 2nd Gen is typically 2–3x more expensive than 1st Gen due to its complex synthesis and patented NHC ligand. For example:

• Sigma Aldrich Pricing (Approximate):
  • 1st Gen: 250–250–300 per 100 mg
  • 2nd Gen: 600–600–800 per 100 mg

When to Choose Grubbs 1st Gen Catalyst (And Save Money)

While the 2nd Gen catalyst offers broader utility, the 1st Gen remains a cost-effective choice for many applications:

1. Reactions with Terminal Alkenes

If your work involves ring-closing metathesis (RCM) or cross-metathesis (CM) with simple substrates, the 1st Gen catalyst performs comparably at a fraction of the cost.

2. Budget-Constrained Labs

Academic labs or startups can stretch limited funds by opting for 1st Gen catalysts for routine reactions.

3. Large-Scale Syntheses

Bulk purchases of Grubbs 1st Gen dramatically reduce per-gram costs. For instance, Sigma Aldrich offers 10–15% discounts on orders over 1 gram.

Looking for Grubbs 1st Gen Catalyst at competitive pricing? Request a quote from KiloBIO here.

Sigma Aldrich Price Comparison: Grubbs 1st Gen vs. 2nd Gen

Let’s explore Sigma Aldrich’s pricing in detail to help you make an informed decision:

1. Small-Scale Purchases (≤100 mg)

• 1st Gen: ~$300 (ideal for trial reactions).
• 2nd Gen: ~$800 (justifiable only for complex substrates).

2. Bulk Orders (1–5 grams)

• 1st Gen: ~2,000–2,000–2,500 per gram (with discounts).
• 2nd Gen: ~5,000–5,000–6,000 per gram.

Why the Price Gap?

• The NHC ligand in 2nd Gen requires specialized synthesis, increasing production costs.
• 2nd Gen patents (now expired) historically inflated prices, but Sigma Aldrich’s branding maintains a premium.

A Cost-Saving Alternative: KiloBIO’s Grubbs 1st Gen Catalyst

If Sigma Aldrich’s pricing strains your budget, consider KiloBIO—a trusted supplier offering the same high-purity Grubbs 1st Generation Catalyst (CAS 172222-30-9) at 20–30% lower rates.

Benefits of Choosing KiloBIO

• Same Quality, Lower Price: ≥97% purity, verified by NMR and HPLC.
• Flexible Quantities: Purchase milligrams to kilograms without minimum order thresholds.
• Fast Shipping: Avoid Sigma Aldrich’s lead times with KiloBIO’s regional warehouses.

Click here to inquire about KiloBIO’s Grubbs 1st Gen Catalyst pricing and availability.

How to Decide: Grubbs 1st Gen vs. 2nd Gen

Use this checklist to determine which catalyst suits your needs:

Choose Grubbs 1st Gen If:

• Your substrates are terminal or disubstituted alkenes.
• Your reactions don’t require high thermal stability.
• Cost savings are a priority.

Choose Grubbs 2nd Gen If:

• You’re working with trisubstituted alkenes or demanding reaction conditions.
• Speed is critical (e.g., high-throughput screening).

Final Verdict: Balancing Cost and Performance

For most labs, Grubbs 1st Generation Catalyst delivers exceptional value for routine metathesis reactions. While the 2nd Gen excels in niche applications, its steep price is hard to justify unless absolutely necessary.

By sourcing from suppliers like KiloBIO, you can further reduce costs without sacrificing quality. Their direct-to-customer model eliminates distributor markups, passing savings to you.

Ready to Optimize Your Catalyst Budget?

Whether you stick with Sigma Aldrich or explore affordable alternatives like KiloBIO, understanding the trade-offs between Grubbs 1st and 2nd Gen catalysts ensures you make the best decision for your lab.

Click here to request a quote for Grubbs 1st Generation Catalyst from KiloBIO—their team offers personalized pricing, bulk discounts, and expedited support.

Have questions about catalyst selection? Contact us or comment below for expert advice!