Unexpected Reactions of Push-Pull N-Heterocyclic Carbene Derived from N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-N-(4-nitrophenyl)-imidazolium Chloride

A new precursor of N-heterocyclic carbene bearing push-pull substituents has been synthesized by the quaternization of 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-imidazole. Unexpected reactions between the carbene generated in situ and aromatic aldehydes or acrylates were observed resulting in the formation of imidazole derivatives.