Highlights in low-coordinate group 14 organometallic chemistry

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the key advances that have been made in the organometallic (or ‘organo-element’) chemistry of silicon, germanium, tin(II) and lead(II) in the period 2008-2009. Compounds in which the group 14 element resides in a low-coordinate environment are the main focus, which allows the chapter to be conveniently divided under the headings of: multiply bonded compounds; small molecule activation chemistry; heavy group 14 elements as ligands at transition metal centres; and heteroaromatic compounds. Since an important highlight review article summarizing key developments in the study of heavy group 14 radical species was published in 2008 by Lee, Nakamoto and Sekiguchi,1 this topic will not be covered herein.2