Mechanistic Insights into the Synthesis of [Rh(acac)(CO)(NHC)] (NHC=N‐heterocyclic carbene) Complexes Using a Weak Base

Abstract

A simple synthetic method to access a wide range of [Rh(acac)(CO)(NHC)] complexes is described. In situ infra‐red monitoring provides insights into the mechanism of the reaction, including the identification of a key intermediate. An understanding of the reaction mechanism leads to the discovery of novel pathways to commonly used congeners.