The Field of Main Group Lewis Acids and Lewis Superacids: Important Basics and Recent Developments

New developments in the field of Lewis acidity are highlighted, with the focus of novel Lewis acids and Lewis superacids of group 2, 13, 14, and 15 elements. Several important basics, illustrated by modern examples (classification of Donor-Acceptor (DA) complexes, amphoteric nature of any compound in terms of DA interactions, reorganization energies of main group Lewis acids and the role of the energies of frontier orbitals) are presented and discussed. It is emphasized that the Lewis acidity phenomena are general and play vital role in different areas of chemistry: from weak atomophilic interactions to the complexes of Lewis superacids. Essential basics of Donor-Acceptor (DA) interactions are presented to emphasize vital role of the Lewis acidity from weak intermolecular interactions to the strong DA complexes. Recent advances in synthesis and characterization of novel Lewis acids and Lewis superacids of group 2, 13, 14, and 15 elements are presented and discussed.image

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This article highlights new developments in the field of Lewis acidity, focusing on novel Lewis acids and Lewis superacids of group 2, 13, 14, and 15 elements. It emphasizes the general nature of Lewis acidity phenomena and their vital role in different areas of chemistry. The basic principles of Donor-Acceptor (DA) interactions are presented to underscore the importance of Lewis acidity from weak intermolecular interactions to strong DA complexes. Recent advances in the synthesis and characterization of novel Lewis acids and Lewis superacids of group 2, 13, 14, and 15 elements are discussed.