Thesis advisor: Marc L. Snapper / Tandem processes can have several advantages over multiple single step processes. Non-metathesis transformations of ruthenium alkylidenes were studied and applied to tandem processes. Ruthenium catalyzed tandem RCM/hydroacylation that allows access to tricyclic ring systems from readily available substrates was developed. Mechanistic investigations indicated that this reaction may proceed through a mechanism involving [Ru]-H species. A Ru-catalyzed tandem RCM/olefin isomerization/C-H activation sequence that provides significant advantages in terms of rapid elaboration of simple reaction partners to more complex entities was developed. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2013. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Chemistry.