The carbene transfer from N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of Group 11 metals (NHC–MC) (especially silver and copper) to other metals is considered a convenient and universal, sometimes having no alternative, method for the synthesis of a wide range of important N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of transition metals. As the number of successful examples of transmetalation with the formation of the target product has in- creased, the data were accumulated on alternative or unexpected results of the interaction of NHC–MC complexes with compounds of other metals. This review considers the examples of NHC–MC reactions with compounds of other metals which proceed with a change in the metals oxidation state, conversion of (NHC)MCX into cationic homoleptic [(NHC)2MC]+ forms, transmetalation retaining the other metal in the coordination sphere of the prod- uct, or formation of heterometallic adducts preserving the MC–Ccarbene bond, rather than these occurring according to the standard reaction pathway. Unusual “reverse” carbene transfer reactions have been considered separately. The review material reveals a promising new synthetic potential of NHC–MC in the reactions with other metals and discusses the possible mechanisms and driving forces of such transformations. The most important aspects of the application of the obtained products, primarily in various catalytic processes, have been considered as well.
Original languageEnglish
Article number11
Pages (from-to)2194-2248
Number of pages55
JournalRussian Journal of General Chemistry
Volume91
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2021

    Scopus subject areas

  • Chemistry(all)

    Research areas

  • N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of Group 13 metals, catalysis, coinage metals, heterometallic complexes and clusters, transition metals, “reverse” carbene transfer, PALLADIUM COMPLEXES, SMALL-MOLECULE ACTIVATION, STRUCTURAL-CHARACTERIZATION, DICARBENE COMPLEXES, OXIDATIVE ADDITION, CU-FE, "reverse" carbene transfer, MIGRATORY INSERTION, NHC LIGANDS, RUTHENIUM COMPLEXES, I HETEROBIMETALLIC COMPLEXES, N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of Group 13 metal

ID: 89684348