Sequential N-O and N-N bond cleavage of N-heterocyclic carbene-activated nitrous oxide with a vanadium complex

Chemically induced bond cleavage of nitrous oxide typically proceeds by rupture of the N-O bond with concomitant O-atom transfer and liberation of dinitrogen. On a few occasions, N-N bond scission has been observed instead. We report a reaction sequence involving an N-heterocyclic carbene and a vanadium complex that results in cleavage of both the N-O bond and the N-N bond.