Topic: Transition Metal-Catalyzed Carbene Transfer Reactions and Mechanistic Insights

Carbene chemistry has received extensive attention in recent decades, particularly in the context of transition metal-catalyzed carbene transfer reactions. These reactions have proven to be among the most powerful and efficient methods for constructing diverse molecules. Recent advancements in transition metal catalysts and a deeper understanding of carbene transformation mechanisms have highlighted the growing importance of metal carbene transfer reactions in organic synthesis. Notable progress has been made in challenging areas such as cross-coupling, enantioselective σ-bond insertion, and complex molecular synthesis. 

While these developments have greatly enriched carbene chemistry, substantial work remains to fully understand the factors influencing carbene structure, reactivity, stability and reaction selectivity. Key areas of focus include developing novel ligands to coordinate with transition metals, regulating catalytic activity and stereoselectivity, as well as improving reaction selectivity and enabling new reaction designs through advances in mechanism studies. 

This Special Issue aims to highlight recent advances in metal carbene-related reactions, including the discovery of new carbene precursors, the development of new catalytic systems, the design and exploration of new transformations, and the study of new reaction applications and mechanisms. Contributions from related fields such as organometallic chemistry, reaction engineering, and computational chemistry that can provide valuable insights into metal carbene transformations will also be featured. We hope this collection will deepen readers’ understanding of metal carbene chemistry.