Main-Group Metal Complexes in Selective Bond Formations Through Radical Pathways

Chemistry. 2020 Aug 6;26(44):9674-9687. doi: 10.1002/chem.202000194. Epub 2020 Mar 24.

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed remarkable advances in radical reactions involving main-group metal complexes. This includes the isolation and detailed characterization of main-group metal radical compounds, but also the generation of highly reactive persistent or transient radical species. A rich arsenal of methods has been established that allows control over and exploitation of their unusual reactivity patterns. Thus, main-group metal compounds have entered the field of selective bond formations in controlled radical reactions. Transformations that used to be the domain of late transition-metal compounds have been realized, and unusual selectivities, high activities, as well as remarkable functional-group tolerances have been reported. Recent findings demonstrate the potential of main-group metal compounds to become standard tools of synthetic chemistry, catalysis, and materials science, when operating through radical pathways.

Keywords: bond formation; catalysis; main-group metals; organic and inorganic synthesis; radicals.

Publication types

  • Review