An anti-Bredt NHC! Placing one of the adjacent nitrogen atoms of an NHC in the bridgehead position of a bicyclic scaffold prevents the donation of its lone pair. Thus, the π-electron-accepting properties of the carbene center are enhanced, while the strong σ-electron-donating properties of classical NHCs are retained.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Martín et al. (2012) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: