On the interactions of N,N′-bismesitylimidazolin-2-yl and alcohols

The interaction of N,N'-bismesitylimidazolin-2-yl (IMes) with alcohols is discussed. NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography were used to examine the influence of solvent and alcohol on this interaction. The stabilizing effect of these interactions may be used for the storage of nitrogen-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) since removal of the volatiles liberates the NHC. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.