Transition-metal complexes bearing chelating NHC Ligands. Catalytic activity in cross coupling reactions via C[sbnd]H activation

Abstract

In recent years, the direct functionalization of CH bonds has become an important tool for CC or C–heteroatom cross-coupling reactions. In these reactions, homogeneous catalysts based on transition metals have demonstrated good selectivity for direct CH activation. This process is not only simple but easily leads to molecules and products of high added value through greener and more energy efficient processes. In this context, metallacyclic complexes have been very successful in CH functionalization reactions, especially with the use of transition metal compounds bearing at least one N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC). Thus, herein we highlight some of the most recent advances on the catalytic CC or C–heteroatom (B, N and O) bond formation via CH activation, using metallacyclic transition metal NHC complexes.