Real Money Rummy on metal-ligand cooperation (MLC) by transition metal catalyst systems has seen notable developments due to their promising activity in various homogeneous catalytic transformations.1 In this direction, precious metals took the lead in serving as highly efficient catalysts for C-C/N bond-forming reactions as compared to first-row transition metals.2 However, base metals face challenges in attaining the level of reactivity exhibited by precious metals. In this instance, a potential solution could be the adoption of a metal-ligand cooperative strategy. This approach aims to bolster the capabilities of base metal systems, presenting a viable remedy to elevate their performance in catalytic processes.3 Hence, delving into the realm of metal-ligand cooperation (MLC) proves beneficial, where the strategy involves crafting ligands capable of dual roles, functioning as a Lewis acid or Lewis base, an aromatization/dearomatization shuttle, or as an electron reservoir with reversible redox activity.
This intricate design facilitates the development of bifunctional catalysts, enhancing the versatility and efficiency of catalytic processes.1 Consequently, the MLC approach has led to the development of a diverse array of transition metal complexes. Moreover, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have proven their versatility as ligands for transition metals in a wide range of catalytic transformations.4 One promising approach involves leveraging the robust σ-donor properties of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) in conjunction with the metal-ligand cooperation (MLC) strategy to promote the widespread application of base metals in homogeneous catalysis. Hence, the presentation will center on the exploration of the metal-ligand cooperation (MLC) strategy in the development of homogeneous transition metal catalysts. This will be followed by the introduction of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) as a ligand system. Additionally, the presentation will outline the research objectives and highlight key findings.

References:
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3. a) A. Mukherjee, D. Milstein, ACS Catal. 2018, 8, 11435-11469; b) L. Alig, M. Fritz, S. Schneider, Chem. Rev. 2019, 119, 2681-2751.
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