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Synlett
DOI: 10.1055/a-2669-6134
DOI: 10.1055/a-2669-6134
Account
N-Heterocyclic Carbenes as Game-Changing Ligands: Advances in Catalysis, Photocatalysis, and Medicinal Applications
Authors
We are grateful to the BOF (starting and senior grants to SPN) and to the the FWO (G0A6823N) for financial support. FR was financially supported by Fondazione AIRC per la Ricerca sul Cancro (Grant AIRC IG23566) and VC from Ministero della Salute – Ricerca Corrente.
Supported by: Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek G0A6823N
Supported by: AIRC IG23566
Supported by: Fondazione AIRC per la Ricerca sul Cancro
Abstract
Over the past 25 years, the Nolan group has advanced N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) chemistry, establishing NHCs as versatile, stable ligands in organometallic science. Our research spans organometallic chemistry, homogeneous catalysis, medicinal chemistry, and photocatalysis. Key achievements include developing efficient NHC–metal catalysts for sustainable chemical transformations, designing NHC–metal complexes with potent anticancer activity, and introducing NHC–gold complexes for visible-light photocatalysis. These contributions highlight the broad impact of rational ligand design on catalysis, therapeutic innovation, and green chemistry.
Keywords
N-heterocyclic carbenes - Catalysis - Medicinal chemistry - Photocatalysis - Gold complexes - Palladium complexesPublication History
Received: 04 June 2025
Accepted after revision: 28 July 2025
Accepted Manuscript online:
29 July 2025
Article published online:
23 September 2025
© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.
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