Synlett 2016; 27(04): 477-485
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1560366
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© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Activation of Small Molecules at N-Heterocyclic Carbene Centers

Hayoung Song
a   Center for Self-Assembly and Complexity, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Pohang, 790–784, Republic of Korea
b   Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 790–784, Republic of Korea   Email: eslee@postech.ac.kr
,
Youngsuk Kim
a   Center for Self-Assembly and Complexity, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Pohang, 790–784, Republic of Korea
b   Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 790–784, Republic of Korea   Email: eslee@postech.ac.kr
,
Junbeom Park
a   Center for Self-Assembly and Complexity, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Pohang, 790–784, Republic of Korea
b   Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 790–784, Republic of Korea   Email: eslee@postech.ac.kr
,
Kimoon Kim
a   Center for Self-Assembly and Complexity, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Pohang, 790–784, Republic of Korea
b   Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 790–784, Republic of Korea   Email: eslee@postech.ac.kr
c   Division of Advanced Materials Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 790–784, Republic of Korea
,
Eunsung Lee*
a   Center for Self-Assembly and Complexity, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Pohang, 790–784, Republic of Korea
b   Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 790–784, Republic of Korea   Email: eslee@postech.ac.kr
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 08 September 2015

Accepted after revision: 05 October 2015

Publication Date:
11 November 2015 (online)


Abstract

The transition-metal-like behavior of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) in the activation of small molecules such as CO, NO, N2O, H2, and NH3 is reviewed. The resemblance to transition metals is mainly attributed to the adjustable electronic properties of the carbene centers through modification of their structure. Furthermore, applications of NHCs in the activation of various C–H bonds for functionalization are explored.

 
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