Synthesis of carbenes through substitution reactions at a carbene center.

Merceron-Saffon, Nathalie; Baceiredo, Antoine; Gornitzka, Heinz; Bertrand, Guy · Science · 2003

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

An (amino)(phosphino) carbene can be transformed into (amino)(phosphonio) carbenes, which undergo nucleophilic intermolecular as well as intramolecular substitution reactions at the carbene center. A variety of carbenes can be synthesized starting from a single carbene precursor. The resulting gamut of electronic and steric effects possible should open the way not only to a detailed study of the mechanism, but also to the subsequent improvement of catalytic reactions that involve carbene-transition metal complexes.