Used as a precursor in the synthesis of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands for transition metal catalysis. Its bulky cycloheptyl and mesityl groups enhance steric protection around the active metal center, improving catalyst stability and selectivity in cross-coupling reactions, such as Suzuki-Miyaura and Heck reactions. Also employed in organocatalysis for promoting carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions. The chloride counterion facilitates easy salt metathesis to generate various derivatives for tailored catalytic systems.