title: N-Heterocyclic carbene chemistry of iron: fundamentals and applications.
abstract: The use of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) in the chemistry of iron is stimulating important new applications of one of the most ubiquitous ligand types in modern organometallic chemistry. A series of reports has shown how the flexible and modifiable stereo-electronic properties of NHC ligands can be combined with iron in a range of oxidation states to create opportunities for studying unique structures, bonding and reactivity. Of particular interest are the roles of iron NHC complexes in: the stabilization of unusual oxidation states and coordination environments; the activation of small molecules; homogeneous catalysis; and bio-mimetic chemistry. Our feature article summarizes the key developments in the field.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK. Michael.Ingleson@manchester.ac.uk
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Ingleson
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Layfield