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Updated: May 21, 2026

Imine Metathesis by Silica-Supported Catalysts Using the Methodology of Surface Organometallic Chemistry
Published on: October 18, 2019
Lewis base mediated dismutation of trichlorosilane
Amit Pratap Singh1, Rajendra S Ghadwal, Herbert W Roesky
1Institut für Anorganische Chemie, Georg-August-Universität, Tammannstrasse 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
Abnormal N-heterocyclic carbenes (aNHCs) initiate trichlorosilane dismutation, showing unique reactivity compared to normal NHCs with group 14 elements. Novel compounds with silicon and germanium were synthesized and characterized.
Area of Science:
- Organometallic Chemistry
- Main Group Chemistry
- Carbene Chemistry
Background:
- N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) are versatile ligands in organometallic chemistry.
- The electronic and steric properties of NHCs influence their reactivity.
- Abnormal N-heterocyclic carbenes (aNHCs) exhibit distinct properties compared to normal NHCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reactivity differences between normal NHCs and aNHCs.
- To explore the initiation of trichlorosilane dismutation using aNHCs as Lewis bases.
- To synthesize and characterize novel compounds involving aNHCs and heavier group 14 elements.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of three novel compounds: (NHC)2·SiCl2H2, aNHC·SiCl2H2, and aNHC·GeCl2.
- Characterization using single crystal X-ray analysis.
- Solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
- Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the ability of aNHCs to initiate trichlorosilane dismutation.
- Revealed reactivity differences between normal NHCs and aNHCs with group 14 elements.
- Successfully synthesized and characterized new silicon and germanium complexes.
Conclusions:
- aNHCs serve as effective Lewis bases for initiating trichlorosilane dismutation.
- The study highlights the unique coordination behavior and reactivity of aNHCs.
- The findings contribute to understanding the chemistry of NHCs with heavier group 14 elements.
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