Zero-valent species of group 13-15 elements

This perspective describes the development of zero-valent species E-n(0) of group 13-15 elements. Computational studies providing reinterpretation of bonding involved in well-known molecules, such as carbodiphosphorane, have opened up the area. Employment of Lewis bases to form donor-acceptor interactions with the elemental fragments in the zero oxidation state is the key to stabilizing such species. Because of the diversity of Lewis bases available, E-n(0)derivatives with a variety of bonding and structural motifs are isolable. The monoatomic E-1(0) species of group 13 and 15 elements, middle-size E-n(0) clusters (n = 4-6) of group 13 and 14 elements, and the heavier group 13 cousins have been much less explored The end of the article outlines one of the potential future directions of zero-valent main-group chemistry, which is an exploration of the allotrope chemistry relevant to materials science.

Automated summary

The development of zero-valent species of group 13-15 elements has been reinterpreted with the use of Lewis bases to stabilize such species. This has led to the isolation of E-n(0) derivatives with a variety of bonding and structural motifs due to the diversity of Lewis bases available. The exploration of allotrope chemistry relevant to materials science is proposed as a potential future direction for zero-valent main-group chemistry at the end of the article.