Our main research focus is on the use of late transition metal complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands for the activation and functionalization of inert bonds, including C-H and C-F bonds. NHCs are a class of compounds that have received a great deal of interest by transition metal chemists in the last ten years, principally because they can act as replacements for phosphine ligands in catalytic reactions. Our interest lies in investigating the fundamental reactivity of NHCs and developing an understanding of reaction mechanisms. In this way, we hope over time to bring about the rational development of new catalysts.