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A Mechanistically and Operationally Simple Route to Metal–N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) Complexes |
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| Authors: | Nikolaos V Tzouras Dr Fady Nahra Dr Laura Falivene Prof Dr Luigi Cavallo Marina Saab Prof Dr Kristof Van Hecke Dr Alba Collado Dr Christopher J Collett Prof Dr Andrew D Smith Prof Dr Catherine S J Cazin Prof Dr Steven P Nolan |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Chemistry and Centre for Sustainable Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281,S-3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;2. Department of Chemistry and Centre for Sustainable Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281,S-3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Separation and Conversion Technology Unit, VITO (Flemish Institute for Technological Research), Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium;3. KAUST Catalysis Center, Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900 Saudi Arabia;4. EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9ST UK |
| Abstract: | We have been puzzled by the involvement of weak organic and inorganic bases in the synthesis of metal–N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes. Such bases are insufficiently strong to permit the presumed required deprotonation of the azolium salt (the carbene precursor) prior to metal binding. Experimental and computational studies provide support for a base-assisted concerted process that does not require free NHC formation. The synthetic protocol was found applicable to a number of transition-metal- and main-group-centered NHC compounds and could become the synthetic route of choice to form M–NHC bonds. |
| Keywords: | complexes mechanism N-heterocyclic carbenes synthesis weak bases |