Frustrated Lewis Pairs: Bonding, Reactivity, and Applications

The outstanding capability of Frustrated Lewis Pair (FLP)catalyststo activate small molecules has gained significant attention in recenttimes. Reactivity of FLP is further extended toward the hydrogenationof various unsaturated species. Over the past decade, this uniquecatalysis concept has been successfully expanded to heterogeneouscatalysis as well. The present review article gives a brief surveyon several studies on this field. A thorough discussion on quantumchemical studies concerning the activation of H-2 is provided.The role of aromaticity and boron-ligand cooperation on thereactivity of FLP is discussed in the Review. How FLP can activateother small molecules by cooperative action of its Lewis centers isalso discussed. Further, the discussion is shifted to the hydrogenationof various unsaturated species and the mechanism regarding this process.It also discusses the latest theoretical advancements in the applicationof FLP in heterogeneous catalysis across various domains, such astwo-dimensional materials, functionalized surfaces, and metal oxides.A deeper understanding of the catalytic process may assist in devisingnew heterogeneous FLP catalysts through experimental design.

Automated summary

The outstanding catalytic capability of Frustrated Lewis Pair (FLP) catalysts in activating small molecules has gained significant attention. The reactivity of FLP has been extended to the hydrogenation of various unsaturated species, and it has also been successfully applied in heterogeneous catalysis. This review article provides a brief survey of studies on FLP, including quantum chemical studies on the activation of H-2, the role of aromaticity and boron-ligand cooperation in FLP reactivity, and the cooperative action of FLP in activating other small molecules. It also discusses the hydrogenation of unsaturated species and the latest theoretical advancements in the application of FLP in heterogeneous catalysis.