Disiloxanediolates and polyhedral metallasilsesquioxanes of the early transition metals and f-elements

Two modern areas of metallasiloxane chemistry are reviewed. The first part deals with the preparation and structural characterization of the first f-element compounds derived from tetraphenylsisiloxanediol. In the second part recent developments in the chemistry of polyhedral metallasilsesquioxanes are surveyed, with special emphasis being placed on early transition metal and f-element derivatives. Also highlighted are applications of these species in catalysis research. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. AU rights reserved.