Sequential N–O and N–N Bond Cleavage of N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Activated Nitrous Oxide with a Vanadium Complex

Chemically induced bond cleavage of nitrous oxide typically proceeds by rupture of the N–O bond with concomitant O-atom transfer and liberation of dinitrogen. On a few occasions, N–N bond scission has been observed instead. We report a reaction sequence involving an N-heterocyclic carbene and a vanadium complex that results in cleavage of both the N–O bond and the N–N bond.