Steering the Surprisingly Modular π‐Acceptor Properties of N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes: Implications for Gold Catalysis

Abstract

Accept it! Although the π-acceptor properties of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) are often considered negligible, they can be enhanced to the extent that they start to dominate the catalytic behavior of gold–NHC complexes (see scheme). As it seems to be easier to tune the π acidity of NHCs than to alter their σ-donor properties, the general perception of this important class of ancillary ligands needs to be revised. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.