Abnormal Carbenes as Ligands in Transition Metal Chemistry: Curiosities with Exciting Perspectives

This review compiles the advances achieved in our laboratories using abnormal and less heteroatom-stabilized carbenes as ligands for transition metal chemistry. Fundamental studies allowed the evaluation of the impact of this new class of ligands both electronically and sterically. Based on these results, initial catalytic applications have been devised in the area of H-H and C-H bond activation, demonstrating the potential of abnormal carbenes as unique ligands for transition metals.