Abstract
In this study we describe a class of compounds known as N-heterocyclic carbenes. These compounds are well known for their strong σ-donating character. A reliable synthetic route for the synthesis of a phenyl substituted N-heterocyclic carbene on a tridentate pincer ligand framework is presented. The hope is that the stability of the phenyl substituted tridentate framework would make for a suitable ligand system when incorporated into high spin transition metal complexes. The phenyl substituted N-heterocyclic carbene has been synthesized and coordinated to Cu, Co and Fe starting materials. Crystallographic and electrochemical studies have been carried out for a N-heterocyclic carbene Cu(I) complex. Preliminary reactivity studies on the Cu(I) complex have been started. Characterization of Co(II) and Fe(II) NHC complexes are underway.