The synthesis of a fused N-heterocyclic carbene complex is accomplished using a flow-chemistry approach where a fused N-herterocyclic imidazolium chloride is passed through a packed bed of copper(I) oxide. The identity of the resulting complex is confirmed via crystal structure, and the reactivity is examined in the context of alkene hydroboration. We demonstrate that this novel complex can perform the desired reaction whereas the carbene ligand alone cannot.
Key words
boron - copper - flow chemistry - N-heterocyclic carbene complex - catalytic hydroboration - strained alkenes