Used as a highly sterically hindered N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand in organometallic catalysis. It stabilizes reactive metal centers in transition metal complexes, particularly in ruthenium-based olefin metathesis catalysts, enhancing their activity and longevity. Its bulky mesityl groups provide strong electron donation and prevent catalyst decomposition, making it valuable in ring-closing metathesis and polymerization reactions. Also employed in palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions to improve catalyst stability under harsh conditions. Additionally, serves as a ligand in CO2 activation and small molecule fixation due to its strong sigma-donating ability.