The Nature of Frustrated Lewis Pairs

Abstract

The features and nature of the combinations of frustrated Lewis pairs are considered. Their mechanism of activation of dihydrogen is discussed in terms of literature precedent, and subsequent studies probing the mechanism are detailed. The possibility of select FLPs operating via a radical pathway is also considered. Further insights regarding the nature of FLPs have been obtained from studies varying the acidic and basic components. These studies illustrate that FLP reactivity is not limited to systems where steric encumbrance precludes adduct formation. Thus, these works provide a broader perspective of the nature of FLPs and FLP reactivity.