Stereoelectronic Characterization and Catalytic Potential of a 1,3-Bis(2,6-terphenyl)-Substituted N-Heterocyclic Carbene

The preparation of a 1,3‐bis(2,6‐terphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene, IDitop (Ditop=2,6‐bis(4‐tolyl)phenyl‐) is reported. Several late transition metal complexes as well as the selenium adduct of IDitop were prepared to study and compare the stereoelectronic properties of IDitop to other well‐known N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs). A study of the steric character of IDitop taken from crystal structure data of the complexes and adducts reveals a high degree of flexibility. Preliminary application to challenging Suzuki coupling reactions was undertaken.