Sulfur-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbenes and their transition metal complexes

Donor group functionalized N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) are an important class of ligands used in transition metal complex chemistry. Herein, the growing field of sulfur-functionalized NHC compounds and their respective transition metal complexes are described comprehensively. The sulfur-functionalized NHC compounds are categorized by functional groups such as thiolate, thioether, sulfoxide, thiophene, sulfonate and sulfonamide. Chiral compounds and the hemilabile behaviour of sulfur-functionalized NHC compounds are reported.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (139 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ Sulfur-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbenes are promising new ligands for transition metal catalysis. ▶ Sulfur-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbenes have demonstrated proof-of-concept asymmetric catalysis. ▶ Sulfur-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbenes have demonstrated hemilability.