Chemically Non-Innocent Cyclic (Alkyl)(Amino) Carbenes: Ligand Rearrangement, C-H and C-F Bond Activation

A cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbene (CAAC) was found to undergo unprecedented rearrangements and transformations of its core structure in the presence of Group 1 and 2 metals. Although the carbene was also found to be prone to intramolecular C-H activation, it was competent for intermolecular activation of a variety of sp-, sp(2)-, and sp(3)-hybridized C-H bonds. Double C-F activation of hexafluorobenzene was also observed in this work. These processes all hold relevance to the role of these carbenes in catalysis, as well as to their use in the synthesis of new and unusual main group or transition metal complexes.