N-Heterocyclic carbene chemistry of iron: Fundamentals and applications

The use of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) in the chemistry of iron is stimulating important new applications of one of the most ubiquitous ligand types in modern organometallic chemistry. A series of reports has shown how the flexible and modifiable stereo-electronic properties of NHC ligands can be combined with iron in a range of oxidation states to create opportunities for studying unique structures, bonding and reactivity. Of particular interest are the roles of iron NHC complexes in: the stabilization of unusual oxidation states and coordination environments; the activation of small molecules; homogeneous catalysis; and bio-mimetic chemistry. Our feature article summarizes the key developments in the field. © 2012 The Royal Society of Chemistry.