Synthesis of a new example of the pyridazine annelated bis(N-heterocyclic carbene) ligand 3b (vegi) bearing benzyl substituents. is reported, as well as the synthesis of its Cationic Rh(cod) complex 5b. The mechanism of formation of the [Rh(cod)(vegi)](+) complexes was investigated, showing stepwise deprotonation of the imidazolium moieties via the mono-carbene imidazolium Rh(cod)Cl species 4. The [Rh(cod)(vegi)](+) 4 complexes 5a,b show catalytic activity in the transfer hydrogenation of even sterically hindered ketones.