N-hetrocyclic carbenes (NHC) have been used widely in catalysis, both as catalysts themselves and as ligands for transition metal catalysts. Therefore, a robustly linked, heterogeneous NHC on an inert support is highly desirable for heterogeneous catalysis. Efforts in creating such NHCs has been reported in the literature via chemisorption on silica through ionized derivatives, triethoxysilyl-functionalization of the NHC backbone for grafting onto silica or through the covalently linkage to polymer supports. This study proposes a unique synthesis route to covalently link a symmetrical NHC to silica support through a cycloaddition reaction. Four types of cycloaddition catalysts were evaluated, with percent functionality and stereoselectivity being determined. Preliminary results show high yields with obvious heterogeneity. Reaction mechanisms are also discussed.

Development of robust covalently-linked N-heterocyclic carbenes and silica

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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