Reactivity of N-heterocyclic carbene, 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene, towards heavier halogens (Br-2 and I-2)

Abstract

In the present study, the stoichiometry variation of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC), 1 with halogens (Br-2 and I-2) shows its reactivity pattern toward halogens. The NHC, 1 was treated with 2.0, 1.0 and 0.5 equivalent of I-2 to afford the complex 2, 3 and 4 respectively. In the same fashion, the treatment of 1 with 2.0 and 1.0 equivalent of Br-2 resulted in the formation of complexes 5 and 6.