N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes and N‐Heterocycles as Synthetic Reagents and Building Blocks

Abstract: N‐Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have become important tools in modern synthetic chemistry due to their versatility as organocatalysts and ligands in organometallic complexes. Since their first isolation and characterization, NHCs have demonstrated significant utility in various catalytic processes, offering advantages such as strong σ‐electron donation and the ability to stabilize reactive intermediates. However, beyond their well‐documented roles in catalysis, the potential of NHCs as stoichiometric reagents and synthetic building blocks remains an underexplored yet promising area. This Mini‐review aims to shed light on these lesser‐known applications of NHCs and their N‐heterocyclic precursors or derivatives in organic synthesis. Furthermore, we discuss how the unique electronic and steric properties of NHCs can be harnessed to develop new synthetic methodologies or construct interesting organic frameworks. By highlighting these emerging uses, we hope to encourage further research into the non‐catalytic applications of NHCs, broadening their scope and impact in synthetic chemistry.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes and N‐Heterocycles as Synthetic Reagents and Building Blocks ; day:05 ; month:02 ; year:2025 ; extent:30 ; Chemistry - a European journal ; (05.02.2025) (gesamt 30)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Jacobs, Emily ; Nguyen, Thanh Vinh

Further information

• DOI: 10.1002/chem.202402339
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2502051328583.363876627606
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 15.08.2025, 7:40 AM CEST