Fischer carbene complexes remain favourite targets, and vehicles for new discoveries

Abstract

Exciting new variations in Fischer-type carbene complex composition and reactivity have been realised by following or modifying well-established synthetic approaches such as metal carbonyl functionalization and modification of existing carbene ligands. The formation of targeted complexes for organic synthesis, carbene-containing chelates, and polynuclear carbene complexes, by employing ‘click chemistry’, warrants discussion. Transmetallation and α,α-dehydrogenation of ethers and amines have come into their own as viable synthetic methods to access carbene complexes with unique properties and activities. Successful mediation of carbene complex formation with pincer ligands has proved its worth. Quantum chemistry has become essential for supporting or initiating mechanistic proposals, but heuristic approaches such as invoking the vinylology principle to describe substituted phenylcarbene complexes are still valuable in the interpretation of bonding properties and the classification of complex types. Electrochemical studies now also constitute a powerful part of the experimental characterization tool kit.