Transition metal complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbene ligands (NHCs) have gained a place of crucial importance in numerous areas of research such as medicinal chemistry, material sciences, and homogeneous/heterogeneous catalysis. In the present review, an updated overview of the main synthetic routes used for the preparation of this broad class of compounds along with their main applications are reported. Particular attention will be paid to the synthesis of late transition metal–NHC complexes using weak bases, eco-friendly solvents, and mild operating conditions. This simple synthetic approach, also known as the ‘weak base route’, represents a recent development with yet unrealized potential.

带有N杂环卡宾配体（NHC）的过渡金属络合物在许多研究领域中都占有至关重要的地位，例如药物化学，材料科学和均相/非均相催化。在本综述中，报告了用于制备这类广泛化合物的主要合成途径的最新概述及其主要应用。将特别注意使用弱碱，环保溶剂和温和的操作条件合成后期过渡金属-NHC配合物。这种简单的综合方法，也称为“弱基础路线”，代表了一项尚未实现的潜力的最新发展。