N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands have been widely utilized in catalysis to address both environmental and medical concerns. In particular, benzimidazole-based NHC ligands coupled to a pyridine moiety have been applied to electrochemically reduce CO2 in both manganese and ruthenium catalyst systems. Our lab focused on finding a speedy synthesis route to coupling benzimidazole to pyridines through use of a microwave synthesizer. Preliminary experimental results were verified using thin-layer chromatography, and later NMR spectroscopy. Our flagship compound, N-pyridylbenzimidazole could be synthesized in up to 80% less time than most published methods without using a metal catalyst. These findings indicate microwave synthesis has potential for quickly producing bidentate NHC-based ligands for transition metal catalyst systems.

Investigating microwave synthesis for coupling benzimidazole with pyridines to form NHC ligand precursors

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.