Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of stable [(NHC)H][ZnXY2] (NHC = N-Heterocyclic carbene, X, Y = Cl, Br) species

•A library of stable [(NHC)H][ZnXY2] species was synthesized.•The structure of the salts was unambiguously assessed by X-ray diffraction analyses.•The catalytic activity of the novel species was tested in the methylation of amines with CO2 as carbon feedstock.

The synthesis and characterization of imidazol(in)ium-based zinc(II) halide salts are reported. These compounds present interesting structural features and exhibit high stability. Their catalytic activity was explored in the methylation of amines with CO2 and PhSiH3.

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