Reactivity of a N-heterocyclic carbene, 1,3-di-(1-adamantyl) imidazol 2-ylidene, with a pseudo-acid: structural characterization of Claisen condensation adduct

The reactivity of a N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) with a pseudo-acid (ester in this case) is described. The product results from an unusual C-H bond activation. The structure of the product has been established by a single crystal diffraction study.