Abstract
Metal complexes of N-heterocyclic carbenes are potential useful catalysts and are therefore of large interest. In this master thesis, it was attempted to synthesize several metal complexes bearing a new chelating N-heterocyclic carbene ligand. The synthesis of the planned Ru and Co complexes did not work out as planned, but two new Rh(III) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes were prepared successfully. The synthesis and characterization of the two new Rh(III) complexes is described in detail including NMR, IR, MS and single crystal X-ray analysis. The new complexes show dynamic behavior due to hindered rotation and this was investigated by variable temperature NMR. A DFT optimization of the structure of one of the new Rh(III) complexes was performed and showed good agreement with the experimental structure. The synthesis and characterization of a new Ag(I) N-heterocyclic carbene and a new imidazolium salt, which both are important precursors for preparing the above mentioned metal complexes of N-heterocyclic carbenes is described.