N-Heterocyclic carbene-phosphinidenes in main-group chemistry

Abstract

N-heterocyclic carbene-phosphinidene (NHCP) and its anionic counterpart represent one of the most prominent classes of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) derivatives featuring phosphorus, distinguished by their efficacy and utility as phosphorus-donor ligands. This perspective showcases the impact of structurally and electronically distinct carbene moieties on the design principles of NHCP ligands, with a spotlight on their pivotal role in synthesizing diverse main-group compounds—especially those featuring low-valent element centers. The end of this perspective provides a detailed outline of several potential future directions for the development of NHCP ligands, including the synthesis of novel NHCP-involved main-group compounds leveraging the tunable electronic and steric properties of NHCPs, as well as the exploration of their applications in small molecule activation, catalysis, and materials science.