IPr*

N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) represent one of the most important ligand classes in inorganic and organometallic chemistry due to their strong σ-donor properties and the sterically hindered environment around the metal centers. Recently, dinuclear ligand frameworks have received special attention owing to their potential for adaptable steric properties and metal-metal cooperative interactions. Herein, we report the synthesis of a series of sterically hindered di-nuclear N-heterocyclic carbenes featuring the modular IPr* (IPr* = (2,6-bis(diphenylmethyl)-4-methylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) framework and benzyl linkers. A series of di- and mono-gold(I) complexes bearing IPr*-based bis-NHC ligands have been synthesized to investigate the effect of aromatic linkers on the structure and catalytic activity. Two common linkers, 1,2-bis(methyl)benzene and 2,4-bis(methyl)mesitylene, were employed to modulate the geometry and steric environment of dinuclear IPr*-type N-heterocyclic carbenes. Structural analysis revealed that the linker substitution strongly affects the conformation of the di-NHC scaffold as indicated by changes in the interplanar NHC-NHC angles (22-78°) and buried volume (%