N-heterocyclic carbenes

N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) are stable, nitrogen-containing molecules featuring a carbon atom with two unpaired electrons, known as a carbene. The nitrogen atoms in the ring stabilize the reactive carbene, making it highly useful in chemistry. NHCs act as versatile ligands—substances that bind to metals—forming stable complexes used in catalysis to speed up chemical reactions, such as in pharmaceutical manufacturing or renewable energy processes. Their unique ability to coordinate with metals while remaining stable under various conditions has made NHCs valuable tools in advancing chemical synthesis and industrial applications.