Synthesis and characterization of amino-NHC coinage metal complexes and application for C–H activation of caffeine

•Ag complexes supported by different amino-NHC ligands are developed.•Amino-NHC Ag is effective carbene transfer agent for Cu and Au metal complexes.•The arylation of caffeine via C–H activation is possible via Cu catalyst.

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of silver, copper and gold complexes supported by several amino-NHC ligands with different amino side arms. The transmetallation process using silver-NHC complexes can be used to prepare amino-NHC copper and gold complexes easily in high yield. In addition, the catalytic activities of copper complexes are examined for arylation of caffeine via C–H bond activation.

Graphical abstractThe synthesis and characterization of silver, copper and gold complexes supported by several amino-NHC ligands with different amino side arms was reported. The catalytic activities of copper complexes are examined for arylation of caffeine via C–H bond activation.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide