Pnictogen-Functionalised C1 Ligands: MC-ARn (n=0, 1, 2, 3)

The chemistry of transition metal carbynes, LnM equivalent to CR, has historically been dominated by species bearing hydrocarbyl or amino 'R' substituents, with other elements appearing only sporadically. In recent years, carbynes and related 'C-1' species bearing other main-group substituents, particularly heavier elements of the p-block, have begun to emerge. This review details the chemistry of heavier pnictogen-functionalised C-1 ligands, MCAR(n) (A=P, As, Sb, Bi; n=0-3), including their syntheses, properties and reactivities, and how these are distinguished from more traditional carbyne complexes. Recent developments in the closely related phospha-isonitrile LnM(CPR), cya-phosphide and cya-arside ligands, LnM(C equivalent to A) (A=P, As), are also discussed.

Automated summary

The chemistry of transition metal carbynes has traditionally been dominated by species with hydrocarbyl or amino substituents, but there is a recent emergence of carbynes with other main-group substituents, particularly heavier elements of the p-block. This review focuses on the chemistry of heavier pnictogen-functionalised C-1 ligands and discusses recent developments in related phospha-isonitrile and cya-phosphide ligands.