An air-stable [Cu(NHC)(OR)] (R = C(H)(CF 3 ) 2 ) complex for C-H, N-H and S-H bond activation.

The synthesis, isolation and full characterisation of a [Cu(IPr)(OC(H)(CF 3 ) 2 )] (IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) complex are reported. This new Cu(I) complex is a versatile synthon and can activate numerous X-H bonds including C-H, N-H and S-H bonds. [Cu(IPr)(OC(H)(CF 3 ) 2 )] was investigated as a pre-catalyst in several catalytic reactions.