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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Palladium N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes: Synthesis from Benzimidazolium Salts and Catalytic Activity in Carbon-carbon Bond-forming Reactions
Published on: July 30, 2017
F-block N-heterocyclic carbene complexes.
Polly L Arnold1, Stephen T Liddle
1School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, UKNG7 2RD. Polly.Arnold@nott.ac.uk
This review explores N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) as ligands for f-block elements. Incorporating anionic groups enables the synthesis and study of novel f-element adducts and their reactivity.
Area of Science:
- Organometallic Chemistry
- Coordination Chemistry
- Lanthanide and Actinide Chemistry
Background:
- N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) are versatile ligands in coordination chemistry.
- Lanthanides and actinides (f-block elements) exhibit unique electronic properties and bonding capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the synthesis of f-block element adducts using heterobidentate NHC ligands.
- To investigate the influence of tethering groups on NHC ligand lability and reactivity.
- To survey f-element-NHC bond distances and displacement reactions.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of f-block element complexes with anionic NHC ligands.
- Structural characterization of f-element-NHC adducts.
- Reactivity studies involving substrate displacement of NHC ligands.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of diverse f-block NHC adducts via heterobidentate NHC ligands.
- Demonstration of tethering group influence on NHC lability and reactivity.
- Compilation of f-element-NHC bond distances and identification of reactive substrates.
Conclusions:
- Heterobidentate NHC ligands provide a powerful route to f-block element complexes.
- The lability and reactivity of NHC ligands in f-element systems can be tuned.
- NHC ligands offer insights into the coordination chemistry and reactivity of lanthanides and actinides.
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