A D3h-symmetry hexaazatriphenylene-tris-N-heterocyclic carbene ligand and its coordination to iridium and gold: preliminary catalytic studies.

A new D3h-symmetry tris-N-heterocyclic carbene ligand has been prepared and coordinated to iridium and gold. The ligand contains an electron-poor hexaazatriphenylene core; thus, the resulting tris-NHC ligand is a poor electron donor. The tris-Au(i) complex was tested in the hydroamination of terminal alkynes and in the three-component Strecker reaction.