Context, Background, and Discovery

Abstract

This chapter provides a discussion of the state of catalysis as it was at the turn of the 20th to the 21st century, providing a brief history of this important chemical concept. Why transition metals are so well suited to catalysis is considered. This is contrasted with the then prevalent perception of main group element chemistry at the time. We discuss the role of main group compounds as Lewis acids and bases, as well as several examples of chemical reactivity that contravene the expected behavior. These examples prompted us to consider the possibility that combinations of Lewis acids and bases could mimic the reactivity of transition metals, unveiling of the notion of ‘frustrated Lewis pairs’ (FLPs). Such select combinations of main group donors and acceptors are shown to activate dihydrogen in addition to other small molecules.