N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Catalyzed Umpolung Reactions of Imines Proceeding Through Aza‐Breslow Intermediates

European Journal of Organic Chemistry 2026

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Authors: Guihua Nie, Chengjiang Fang, Mei Chen, Qianqian Guo, Jun Sun, Renfeng Zhang, Yuguo Zheng
DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.202501171
Cited by: 1
References: 48

Abstract

N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have emerged as efficient catalysts for promoting umpolung reactions of aldehydes and enals. Recently, the NHCs have been successfully used for catalyzing the umpolung reactions of aldimines through the formation of aza‐Breslow intermediates. This article provides a systematic review of the research progress in the polarity reversal of imines and related reactions catalyzed by NHCs, along with a detailed discussion and summary of the underlying reaction mechanisms. The review is organized and categorized according to the types of NHC‐catalyzed reactions involving imines.

Fields of Study & Subjects

N-Heterocyclic Carbenes in Organic and Inorganic Chemistry Catalytic Cross-Coupling Reactions Cyclopropane Reaction Mechanisms

Publication details

Journal / source
European Journal of Organic Chemistry
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
29
Issue
6
Publication date
4 January 2026
Language
EN