Bis-NHCs: Building Blocks for Novel Architectures

In 2020, the Department of Energy highlighted the need for advancements in catalyst and energy-storage materials as a critical challenge for future innovation. Carbene chemistry, particularly involving N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), has gained prominence due to the wide range of synthetic and functional possibilities they offer. While research has predominantly focused on neutral NHC structures, limited attention has been given to their anionic counterparts. Most existing studies explore monofunctional or difunctional NHCs, capable of chelation to a single metal center with less focus on multitopic NHCs capable of coordinating multiple metal centers. This project aims to address this gap by designing and synthesizing novel rigid anionic multitopic nonchelating N-heterocyclic carbene structures. These new compounds are intended to support bimetallic complexes and supramolecular cages, with the expectation of enhanced catalytic performance. Building on previous research, this project employs established synthetic techniques to create zwitterionic NHCs attached to rigid frameworks, preventing chelation and expanding their potential applications in catalysis.