Carbohydrate-N-heterocyclic carbene metal complexes: Synthesis, catalysis and biological studies

In this review, we focus on metal complexes that contain both an NHC ligand and a carbohydrate ligand, or have novel NHC ligands bearing pendant carbohydrate groups. We discuss synthesis, structural aspects, catalysis and medicinal chemistry. Roles of the NHC ligand and carbohydrate moiety related to these properties are highlighted.