An Electron-rich Cyclic (Alkyl)(Amino) Carbene on Au(111), Ag(111) and Cu(111) Surfaces.

The structural properties and binding motif of a strongly sigma-electron donating N-heterocyclic carbene are investigated on different transition metal surfaces. The examined cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbene (CAAC) is found to be mobile on surfaces and molecular islands with short-range order could be found at high coverage. By combining scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations our study highlights how CAACs bind to the surface, which is of tremendous importance to gain understanding for heterogeneous catalysts bearing CAACs as ligands.