This paper summarizes the development of transition metal-catalyzed alkyne metathesis reaction. It consists two parts: (1) Applications in the synthesis of alkynes In 60s～70s the Morterux-type catalyst was found to homogeneously catalyze the discrimination of alkynes. After a series of modifications of reaction conditions, alkynyl ethers and diaryl acetylenes were synthesized from two alkynes. Two palusible mechanisms, e.g., metallocarbene-type and metalocarbyne- type mechanisms were proposed. Molybdenum and tungsten-carbyne complexes were synthesized and used to catalyze the metathesis reaction of functionalized diynes to afford the corresponding carbon- carbon triple bond-containing macrocycles. (2)Applications in the synthesis of polymers Molbdenum and tungsten-carbyne complexes can catalyze the ROMP (ring-opening metathesis polymerization) and ADIMET ( acyclic diynes metathesis) to afford carbon-carbon triple bond- containing polymers. To circumvent the tedious preparation of carbyne complexes, new Mortreux-type catalyst was designed and synthesized to catalyze ADIMET. These polymers can be applied in light-emitting devices, organic "plastic" lasers and polariser in liquid crystal display screens.

Key words: TRANSITION METAL COMPOUND, ALKYNE, DOUBLE DECOMPOSITION, CARBENE, LIQUID CRYSTAL