Metallaheteroboranes with group 16 elements: Aspects of synthesis, framework and reactivity

Metallaheteroborane clusters containing group-16 elements as cluster constituents were initially of interest solely for the synthesis of high-nuclearity clusters. However, owing to recent developments in their chemistry towards hydrogenation and isomerization of olefins, nido to closo dehydrogenation of clusters, the development of new and improved routes for the synthesis of novel metallaheteroborane clusters have become of interest. In recent years, the chemistry of metallaheteroboranes, with chalcogen(s) as the heteroatom(s), has noted significant growth both in terms of synthetic methodology as well as the advent of unique frameworks ranging from polyhedral cages and macropolyhedral clusters to triple-decker sandwich complexes and hydrocarbon-mimics like cubanes and homocubanes. This review provides a brief account of the syntheses of diverse structural motifs adopted by the metallachalcogenaborane clusters; their electron counts along with latest advances in their chemistry.(c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Metallaheteroborane clusters containing group-16 elements have gained significant attention for their ability to synthesize high-nuclearity clusters. Recent developments in their chemistry, including hydrogenation and isomerization of olefins, dehydrogenation of clusters, and the development of new synthesis routes, have further increased the interest in these novel metallaheteroborane clusters. The chemistry of metallaheteroboranes with chalcogen(s) as the heteroatom(s) has seen significant growth in terms of synthetic methodology and the emergence of unique structural frameworks. The review provides an overview of the diverse structural motifs and advancements in the chemistry of metallachalcogenaborane clusters.