Microwave-assisted synthesis of (N-heterocyclic carbene)Ni(Cp)Cl complexes

► Synthesis of (NHC)Ni(Cp)Cl complexes using microwave heating. ► Shorter reaction times affording comparable than those with conventional heating. ► These complexes catalyze the anaerobic oxidation of secondary alcohols. ► 2,4-Dichlorotoluene as oxidant and solvent.