New Pentacoordinated Rhodium Species as Unexpected Products during the In Situ Generation of Dimeric Diphosphine‐Rhodium Neutral Catalysts

Dimeric rhodium complexes of the type [Rh(PP)(μ₂‐Cl)]₂ (PP=diphosphine) are often used as precatalysts and are generated “in situ” from the corresponding diolefin complexes by exchange of the diene with the desired diphosphine. Herein, we report that the “in situ” procedure also leads to unexpected monomeric pentacoordinated neutral complexes of the type [RhCl(PP)(diolefin)], for the first time herein characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography for the ligands 1,4‐bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (DPPP), 1,4‐bis(diphenylphosphino)butane (DPPB), and 2,2′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl (BINAP). The pentacoordinated complexes are in equilibrium with the dimeric target compound [Rh(PP)(μ₂‐Cl)]₂. The equilibrium is influenced by the rhodium‐diolefin precursor, the solvent and the temperature. Based on the results of NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopic analysis (kinetics) it could be shown that the pentacoordinated complex [RhCl(PP)(diolefin)] may arise both from the “in situ”‐generated neutral complex [Rh(PP)(μ₂‐Cl)] by reaction with the free diolefin and, more surprisingly, directly from [Rh(diolefin)(μ₂‐Cl)]₂ and the diphosphine.     

Investigations into the Formation and Stability of Cationic Rhodium Diphosphane η(6) -Arene Complexes

Rhodium-η(6) -arene complexes can be generated in the presence of arenes following the hydrogenation of the diolefin in rhodium catalyst precursors of the type [Rh(PP*)(diolefin)]X (PP*=chelating diphosphane, X=noncoordinating anion). In this paper we report the characterization of such arene complexes with the ligands DuPhos, dipamp, dppe, Tangphos, dppf, and diop by means of NMR spectroscopy ((31) P, (103) Rh) and X-ray analysis. A procedure that follows the approach to equilibrium as a function of time monitored by using an UV/Vis diode array was used to determine 20 stability constants. Analyses were accomplished directly from the spectra by either a numeric and/or a new analytic solution of the underlying system of differential equations. Additionally thermodynamic parameters were determined in the temperature range between 278 and 318?K.     

Isolation of [Rh(diolefin)X2]- species and their reactions with P- or N-donor ligands,tin(II) halides and carbon monoxide

Anionic [Rh(diolefin)X₂]⁻ species (X = Cl, Br) have been prepared and their reactions studied. The reactions with monodentate ligands led to neutral tetracoordinated complexes, and with N-donor bidentate ligands (Rh : LL = 2 : 1) gave Rh(X)(diolefin)(LL), [Rh(diolefin)(LL)]⁺[Rh(diolefin)X₂]⁻, or [Rh(diolefin)(LL)]X compounds, depending on the nature of LL or X. Reactions with carbon monoxide involved diolefin displacement. A trichlorostannato complex was obtained from the [Rh(COD)Cl₂]⁻ species. Reactions of [Rh(COD)Br]₂ with bidentate N-donor ligands were also studied.     

Calix[4]arene‐based Bis‐phosphonites,Bis‐phosphites,and Bis‐O‐acyl‐phosphites as Ligands in the Rhodium(I)‐catalyzed Hydroformylation of 1‐Octene

New calix[4]arene‐based bis‐phosphonites, bis‐phosphites and bis‐O‐acylphosphites were synthesized and characterized. Treatment of these P‐ligands with selected rhodium and platinum precursors led to mononuclear complexes that were satisfactorily characterized. The solid state structure of the dirhodium(I) complex 14 has been determined by X‐ray diffraction. The two rhodium centres are bridged by two chloro ligands; one rhodium atom is further coordinated by calix[4]arene phosphorus atoms and the other by cyclooctadiene. The new calix[4]arene P‐ligands were tested in the Rh(I) catalyzed hydroformylation of 1‐octene. All Rh(I) complexes catalyzed the reaction leading to high chemoselectivity with regard to the formation of aldehydes. Yields and n/iso‐selectivities depended on the reaction conditions. Average yields of 80 % and n/iso‐ratios of about 1.3 to 1.5 were observed. High yields of aldehydes can be achieved using the methoxy substituted P‐ligands at low Rh:ligand ratios.     

Pyrazole Based Mono‐ and Di‐Substituted Half Sandwich d6 Platinum Group Metal Complexes: Synthesis and Spectral Characterization

Reactions of pyrazole based ligand and halide bridged arene d⁶ metal precursors resulted a series of mono and di‐substituted pyrazole based half sandwich d⁶ metal complexes. In general, they are formulated as [(arene)MLCl₂] [M = Ru, arene = benzene ( 1 ), p‐cymene ( 2 ), arene = Cp*, M = Rh ( 3 ) and Ir ( 4 )] and [(arene)ML₂Cl] [M = Ru, arene = benzene ( 5 ), p‐cymene ( 6 ), arene = Cp*, M = Rh ( 7 ) and Ir ( 8 )]. All these complexes were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques (IR, ¹H NMR, ESI‐MS, and UV/Vis). The molecular structures were confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction technique. Spectroscopic studies revealed that complexation i.e., mono‐ and di‐substitution occurred by the ratio‐based reaction between pyrazole ligand and metal precursor through the neutral nitrogen rather than protic nitrogen. In these complexes deprotonation of the protic nitrogen does not occur unlike the other complexes containing pyrazole derivatives, in which the pyrazole ligand is anionic.     

Rhodium(I) diolefin complexes with polycyclic π-arene ligands. Synthesis of bimetallic complexes with diphenylmethane as bridging ligand

Summary The preparation and properties of cationic arenerhodium(I) complexes of general formula [Rh(diolefin)(⁶arene)]ClO₄ (diolefin=1,5-cyclooctadiene, tetrafluorobenzobarrelene or trimethyltetrafluorobenzobarrelene; arene = biphenyl or diphenylmethane) are described. These complexes react with the solvated intermediate complex [Rh(diolefin)(Me₂CO)_x]ClO₄ to give homobimetallic [(diolefin)Rh(Ph₂CH₂)Rh(diolefin)](ClO₄)₂ derivatives. New heterobimetallic complexes of the type [(diolefin)Rh(Ph₂CH₂)Cr(CO)₃]ClO₄ have been synthesized by reaction of Cr(CO)₃(⁶-Ph₂CH₂) with the solvated complex [Rh(diolefin)(Me₂CO)_x]ClO₄ or, alternatively by treatment of [Rh(diolefin)(⁶-arene)]ClO₄ with the complex Cr(CO)₃(⁶Me₃B₃N₃Me₃) in chloroform solution.     

Synthesis,structural and chemosensitivity studies of arene d6 metal complexes having N‐phenyl‐N´‐(pyridyl/pyrimidyl)thiourea derivatives

The d⁶ metal complexes of thiourea derivatives were synthesized to investigate its cytotoxicity. Treatment of various N‐phenyl‐N´ pyridyl/pyrimidyl thiourea ligands with half‐sandwich d⁶ metal precursors yielded a series of cationic complexes. Reactions of ligand (L1‐L3) with [(p‐cymene)RuCl₂]₂ and [Cp*MCl₂]₂ (M = Rh/Ir) led to the formation of a series of cationic complexes bearing general formula [(arene)M(L1)к²_(N,S)Cl]⁺, [(arene)M(L2)к²_(N,S)Cl]⁺ and [(arene)M(L3)к²_(N,S)Cl]⁺ [arene = p‐cymene, M = Ru ( 1 , 4 , 7 ); Cp*, M = Rh ( 2 , 5 , 8 ); Cp*, Ir ( 3 , 6 , 9 )]. These compounds were isolated as their chloride salts. X‐ray crystallographic studies of the complexes revealed the coordination of the ligands to the metal in a bidentate chelating N,S‐ manner. Further the cytotoxicity studies of the thiourea derivatives and its complexes evaluated against HCT‐116 (human colorectal cancer), MIA‐PaCa‐2 (human pancreatic cancer) and ARPE‐19 (non‐cancer retinal epithelium) cancer cell lines showed that the thiourea ligands displayed no activity. Upon complexation however, the metal compounds possesses cytotoxicity and whilst potency is less than cisplatin, several complexes exhibited greater selectivity for HCT‐116 or MIA‐PaCa‐2 cells compared to ARPE‐19 cells than cisplatin in vitro. Rhodium complexes of thiourea derivatives were found to be more potent as compared to ruthenium and iridium complexes.     

Indolylgold(I) derivatives and indole as π-arene ligands in cationic rhodium(I) complexes

The reaction of LAuIn (L = P(C₆H₅)₃, P(2-MeC₆H₄)₃ or P(4-MeC₆H₄)₃; In = indolyl group) with the solvated complexes [(diolefin)Rh(Me₂CO)_x]ClO₄ gives the novel heterometallic complexes [(diolefin)Rh(μ-In)AuL]ClO₄. The mononuclear arene derivatives [(diolefin)Rh(η⁶-HIn)]ClO₄ react with methanolic KOH to give the binuclear complexes [(diolefin)Rh(μ-OMe)]₂, while [(COD)Rh(η⁶-HIn)]ClO₄ reacts with KOH in water/acetone to give the hydroxo-bridged complex [(COD)Rh(μ-OH)]₂.     

Mono‐ and Binuclear Rhodium and Platinum Complexes of 1, 3, 5‐Trimethyl‐1, 3, 5‐triaza‐2σ3λ3‐phosphorin‐4, 6‐dionyloxy‐substituted Calix[4]arenes

The reaction behaviour of 1, 3, 5‐triaza‐2σ³λ³‐phosphorin‐4, 6‐dionyloxy‐substituted calix[4]arenes towards mono‐ and binuclear rhodium and platinum complexes was investigated. Special attention was directed to structure and dynamic behaviour of the products in solution and in the solid state. Depending on the molar ratio of the reactands, the reaction of the tetrakis(triazaphosphorindionyloxy)‐substituted calix[4]arene ( 4 ) and its tert‐butyl‐derivative ( 1 ) with [(cod)RhCl]₂ yielded the mono‐ and disubstituted binuclear rhodium complexes 2 , 3 , and 5 . In all cases, a C₂‐symmetrical structure was proved in solution, apparently caused by a fast intramolecular exchange process between cone conformation and 1, 3‐alternating conformation. The X‐ray crystal structure determination of 5 confirmed [(calixarene)RhCl]₂‐coordination through two opposite phosphorus atoms with a P ⃜P separation of 345 pm. The complex displays crystallographic inversion symmetry, and the Rh₂Cl₂ core is thus exactly planar. Reaction of 1 and of the bis(triazaphosphorindionyloxy)‐bis(methoxy)‐substituted tert‐butyl‐calix‐[4]arene ( 7 ) with (cod)Rh(acac) in equimolar ratio and subsequent reaction with HBF₄ led to the expected cationic monorhodium complexes 5 and 8 , involving 1, 3‐alternating P‐Rh‐P‐coordination. The cone conformation in solution was proved by NMR spectroscopy and characteristic values of the ¹J(PRh) coupling constants in the ³¹P‐NMR‐spectra. Reaction of equimolar amounts of 4 with (cod)Rh(acac) or (nbd)Rh(acac) led, by substitution of the labile coordinated acetylacetonato and after addition of HBF₄, to the corresponding mononuclear cationic complexes 9 and 10 . Only two of the four phosphorus atoms in 9 and 10 are coordinated to the central metal atom. Displacement of either cycloocta‐1, 5‐diene or norbornadiene was not observed. For both compounds, the cone conformation was proved by NMR spectroscopy. Reaction of 4 with (cod)PtCl₂ led to the PtCl₂‐complex ( 11 ). As for all compounds mentioned above, only two phosphorus atoms of the ligand coordinate to platinum, while two phosphorus atoms remain uncoordinated (proved by δ³¹P and characteristic values of ¹J(PPt)). NMR‐spectroscopic evidence was found for the existence of the cone conformation in the cis‐configuration of 11 .     

Rhodium and iridium complexes containing the anion of 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoyl- pyrazolone-5, a sophisticated analogue of β-diketones

Several (diolefin)M(A) complexes (M = Rh, Ir) were prepared, where AH is 1-phenyl-3-methyl- 4-benzoylpyrazolone-5, a very stable asymmetric analogue of acetylacetone. In these complexes the diolefin could be replaced by one mole of (Ph₂PCH₂CH₂)₂, two of CO or of PPh₃, or three of CNBu^t, while 1,10-phenanthroline displaced the chelating ligand to yield [(cyclooctadiene)Rh(phen)]⁺ (A)^?. Some compounds X?Y (X?Y = iodine or MeI) added oxidatively yielding the corresponding trivalent species. Using ³¹P NMR spectra the presence of the expected steric isomers was detected in (Ph₃P)(CO)Rh(A) and in (Ph₃P) (CO)Rh(A)(X)(Y).     

Ruthenium–Arene–β‐Carboline Complexes as Potent Inhibitors of Cyclin‐Dependent Kinase 1: Synthesis,Characterization and Anticancer Mechanism Studies

A series of Ru^II–arene complexes ( 1 – 6 ) of the general formula [(η⁶‐arene)Ru(L)Cl]PF₆ (arene=benzene or p‐cymene; L=bidentate β‐carboline derivative, an indole alkaloid with potential cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs) inhibitory activities) is reported. All the complexes were fully characterized by classical analytical methods, and three were characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Hydrolytic studies show that β‐carboline ligands play a vital role in their aqueous behaviour. These complexes are highly active in vitro, with the most active complex 6 displaying a 3‐ to 12‐fold higher anticancer activity than cisplatin against several cancer cell lines. Interestingly, the complexes are able to overcome cross‐resistance to cisplatin, and show much lower cytotoxicity against normal cells. Complexes 1 – 6 may directly target CDK1, because they can block cells in the G2M phase, down‐regulate the expression of CDK1 and cyclin B1, and inhibit CDK1/cyclin B in vitro. Further mechanism studies show that the complexes can effectively induce apoptosis through mitochondrial‐related pathways and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) elevation.     

1,2,4‐Triazol‐3‐ylidenes with an N‐2,4‐Dinitrophenyl Substituent as Strongly π‐Accepting N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes

The synthesis and characterisation of a series of new Rh and Au complexes bearing 1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐ylidenes with a N‐2,4‐dinitrophenyl (N‐DNP) substituent are described. IR, NMR, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and computational analyses of the Rh complexes revealed that the N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) behaved as strong π acceptors and weak σ donors. In particular, a natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis revealed that the contributions of the Rh→C_carbene π backbonding interaction energies (ΔE_bb) to the bond dissociation energies (BDE) of the Rh? C_carbene bond for [RhCl(NHC)(cod)] (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene) reached up to 63 %. The Au complex exhibited superior catalytic activity in the intermolecular hydroalkoxylation of cyclohexene with 2‐methoxyethanol. The NBO analysis suggested that the high catalytic activity of the Au^I complex resulted from the enhanced π acidity of the Au atom.     

Anionic and neutral rhodium(I) complexes containing trichlorostannato ligands

The complexes Et₄N[Rh(SnCl₃)₂(diolefin)(PR₃)] (diolefin = COD or NBD) have been isolated and their reactions studied. Reaction with arylic tertiary phosphines led to SnCl₃⁻ displacement and isolation of neutral pentacoordinated Rh(SnCl₃)(diolefin)(PR₃)₂ complexes. Reaction with carbon monoxide involved diolefin displacement when the diolefin was COD, thus giving Et₄N[Rh(SnCl₃)₂(CO)₂(PR₃)] compounds, but SnCl₃⁻ displacement when it was NBD, thus yielding Rh(SnCl₃)(CO)(NBD)(PR₃) complexes. The complexes [Rh(diolefin)Cl]₂ were found to react with triarylphosphines in the presence of SnCl₂ and with CO bubbling through the solution to give Rh(SnCl₃)(CO)(NBD)(PR₃) when the diolefin was NBD but Rh(Cl)(CO)(PR₃)₂ when the diolefin was COD.     

Rhodium(I) complexes with the 2,2′-bipyrimidine ligand

Mono- and dinuclear rhodium(I) complexes of formulae [Rh(L₂)(bipym)]⁺ and [{Rh(L₂)}₂(μ-bipym)]²⁺ [L₂ = diolefin or (CO)₂] have been prepared and their catalytic activity in hydrogen-transfer reactions explored. The heterodinuclear [Cl₂Pd(μ-bipym)Rh(tfb)]ClO₄ complex was obtained by reacting [Rh(tfb)(bipym)]⁺ with [PdCl₂(cod)] or alternatively from [Rh(tfb)(acetone)_x]⁺ with [PdCl₂(bipym)]. Ion-pair complexes of formulae [Rh(diolefin)(bipym)]⁺ [RhCl₂(diolefin)]₋ (diolefin = cod, nbd or tfb) were prepared by adding bipym to acetone suspensions of [RhCl(diolefin)]₂.     

Organo-rhodium(I) complexes containing mono and bidentate N-heterocycles

Complexes of the type [Rh(diolefin)(μ-X)]₂ [X = Cl or Br; diolefin = cod (cycloocta-1,5-diene) or nbd (norbornadiene)] undergo dihalobridge cleavage with 2-substituted benzimidazoles to produce mononuclear complexes, RhX(diolefin)(R-BzlH) (R = α-Py or Ph), and N-heterocycle bridged dimers, [RhX(diolefin)]₂(μ-N–N) (N–N = β-PyBzlH or γ-PyBzlH). Facile replacement ofone or both diolefins by CO occurs in the products to yield the corresponding di/tetracarbonyl complexes. Probable structures have been proposed for the complexes on the basis of physical, i.r., far-i.r. and ¹H- and ¹³C-n.m.r. spectral techniques and FAB-MS. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Hydrogenation of nitroaromatics to anilines catalyzed by air‐stable arene ruthenium (II)–NNN pincer complexes

A series of air‐stable, phosphine‐free arene ruthenium (II)–NNN pincer complexes (RuL, RuL¹, RuL² and RuL³) have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic and single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. Further, arene ruthenium (II)–NNN pincer complexes have been used as catalyst for hydrogenation of nitroaromatics into aniline in the presence of NaBH₄ at room temperature. The catalytic process suggested highly chemo‐selective nitroreduction with wide functional group tolerance.     

Neutral and cationic half‐sandwich arene d6 metal complexes containing pyridyl and pyrimidyl thiourea ligands with interesting bonding modes: Synthesis,structural and anti‐cancer studies

The reaction of [(p‐cymene)RuCl₂]₂ and [Cp*MCl₂]₂ (M = Rh/Ir) with benzoyl (2‐pyrimidyl) thiourea (L1) and benzoyl (4‐picolyl) thiourea (L2) led to the formation of cationic complexes bearing formula [(arene) M (L1)к² _(N,S) Cl]⁺ and [(arene) M (L2)к²_(N,S)Cl]⁺ [(arene) = p‐cymene, M = Ru, ( 1 , 4 ); Cp*, M = Rh ( 2 , 5 ) and Ir ( 3 , 6 )]. Precursor compounds reacted with benzoyl (6‐picolyl) thiourea (L3) affording neutral complexes having formula [(arene) M (L3)к¹_(S)Cl₂] [arene = p‐cymene, M = Ru, ( 7 ); Cp*, M = Rh ( 8 ), Ir ( 9 )]. X‐ray studies revealed that the methyl substituent attached to the pyridine ring in ligands L2 and L3 affects its coordination mode. When methyl group is at the para position of the pyridine ring (L2), the ligand coordinated metal in a bidentate chelating N, S‐ mode whereas methyl group at ortho position (L3), it coordinated in a monodentate mode. Further the anti‐cancer studies of the thiourea derivatives and its complexes carried out against HCT‐116, HT‐29 (human colorectal cancer), Mia‐PaCa‐2 (human pancreatic cancer) and ARPE‐19 (non‐cancer retinal epithelium) cell lines showed that the thiourea ligands are inactive but upon complexation, the metal compounds displayed potent and selective activity against cancer cells in vitro. Iridium complexes were found to be more potent as compared to ruthenium and rhodium complexes.     

Construction of π‐Surface‐Metalated Pillar[5]arenes which Bind Anions via Anion–π Interactions

By simple ligand exchange of the cationic transition‐metal complexes [(Cp*)M(acetone)₃](OTf)₂ (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl and M=Ir or Rh) with pillar[5]arene, mono‐ and polynuclear pillar[5]arenes, a new class of metalated host molecules, is prepared. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis shows that the charged transition‐metal cations are directly bound to the outer π‐surface of aromatic rings of pillar[5]arene. One of the triflate anions is deeply embedded within the cavity of the trinuclear pillar[5]arenes, which is different to the host–guest behavior of most pillar[5]arenes. DFT calculation of the electrostatic potential revealed that the metalated pillar[5]arenes featured an electron‐deficient cavity due to the presence of the electron‐withdrawing transition metals, thus allowing encapsulation of electron‐rich guests mainly driven by anion–π interactions.     

Synthesis and Rh(I)‐catalyzed polymerization of 1,3‐diphenylyne–calix[4]arene compounds: Novel conjugated,calixarene‐based polymers

The synthesis of two 1,3‐bis(4‐ethynylbenzyloxy)calix[4]arenes, 5,11,17,23‐tetrakis(1,1‐dimethylethyl)‐25,27‐bis(4‐ethynylbenzyloxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxycalix[4]arene ( 1 ) and 25,27‐bis(4‐ethynylbenzyloxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxycalix[4]arene ( 2 ), was accomplished through Sonogashira coupling of appropriate calixarene derivatives. Methods for the polymerization of these bifunctional building blocks with Rh(I) as a catalyst, leading ultimately to conjugated polymers having calix[4]arene units incorporated into the main chain, were explored. Calixarenes 1 and 2 were efficiently polymerized with rhodium‐based initiators and afforded the conjugated polymers poly{5,11,17,23‐tetrakis(1,1‐dimethylethyl)‐25,27‐bis(4‐ethynylbenzyloxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxycalix[4]arene} ( poly 1 ) and poly{25,27‐bis(4‐ethynylbenzyloxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxycalix[4]arene}. Depending on the conditions, high conversions and good yields were obtained. The effects of adding cocatalysts (NHEt₂ and/or PPh₃) were studied in connection with the number‐average molecular weight and the molecular weight distribution of the resultant polymer ( poly 1 ) and tentatively correlated with the formation of low‐molecular‐weight materials. A catalytic system containing triphenylphosphine as the sole additive ([Rh(nbd)Cl]₂; [Rh]/[PPh₃] = 0.5) proved to be the best for the polymerization of p‐tert‐butylcalixarene compound 1 . Linear polymers having high number‐average molecular weights (up to 1.1 × 10⁵ g mol^?1) with low polydispersities were produced under these conditions. For debutylated homologue 2 , its polymerization was best carried out in the absence of any added cocatalyst. A cyclopolymerization route, comprising the intramolecular ring closing of the calix[4]arene pendant ethynyl groups followed by an intermolecular propagation step, is advanced to explain the results. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 7054–7070, 2006     

Synthesis and Structures of Arene Ruthenium (II)–NHC Complexes: Efficient Catalytic α‐alkylation of ketones via Hydrogen Auto Transfer Reaction

A panel of six new arene Ru (II)‐NHC complexes 2a‐f , (NHC = 1,3‐diethyl‐(5,6‐dimethyl)benzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene 1a , 1,3‐dicyclohexylmethyl‐(5,6‐dimethyl)benzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene 1b and 1,3‐dibenzyl‐(5,6‐dimethyl)benzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene 1c ) were synthesized from the transmetallation reaction of Ag‐NHC with [(η⁶‐arene)RuCl₂]₂ and characterized. The ruthenium (II)‐NHC complexes 2a‐f were developed as effective catalysts for α‐alkylation of ketones and synthesis of bioactive quinoline using primary/amino alcohols as coupling partners respectively. The reactions were performed with 0.5 mol% catalyst load in 8 h under aerobic condition and the maximum yield was up to 96%. Besides, the different alkyl wingtips on NHC and arene moieties were studied to differentiate the catalytic robustness of the complexes in the transformations.