The preparation and characterization of two air-stable Rh(I) complexes bearing a chelating N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand is described. The synthesis involves the preparation of a Ag(I)-NHC complex and its use as carbene transfer agent to a Rh(I) precursor. The so obtained complex can be further reacted with carbon monoxide to give the corresponding carbonyl derivative. The students will be able to identify the products using standard characterization techniques such as NMR and IR spectroscopy. The required equipment is typically available in most of the standard laboratories for undergraduate students. (Contains 2 figures and 3 schemes.)