Structure and bonding of [(SIPr)AgX] (X = Cl, Br, i and OTf)

Abstract

A series of iso-structural complexes [(SIPr)AgX] (X = Cl, Br, I, OTf; SIPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolidene) were synthesised, including the first example of a N-heterocyclic carbene silver(i) complex containing an O-bound triflate. Bond Energy Dissociation and Natural Orbitals for Chemical Valence bond analyses (BEDA & ETS-NOCV) revealing a significant NHC → M σ-back-donation, which influences the stability and sigma-donicity of these complexes.