Diverse Uses of the Reaction of Frustrated Lewis Pair (FLP) with Hydrogen

The articulation of the notion of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) emerged from the discovery that H-2 can be reversibly activated by combinations of sterically encumbered main group Lewis acids and bases. This has prompted numerous studies focused on various perturbations of the Lewis acid/base combinations and the applications to organic reductions. This Perspective focuses on the new directions and developments that are emerging from this FLP chemistry involving hydrogen. Three areas are discussed including new applications and approaches to FLP reductions, the reductions of small molecules, and the advances in heterogeneous FLP systems. These foci serve to illustrate that despite having its roots in main group chemistry, this simple concept of FLPs is being applied across the discipline.

Automated summary

This Perspective discusses the new directions and developments in FLP chemistry involving hydrogen, including new applications and approaches to FLP reductions, reductions of small molecules, and advances in heterogeneous FLP systems. Despite having its roots in main group chemistry, the concept of FLPs is being applied across disciplines.