Low-valent organometallics--synthesis, reactivity, and potential applications

General concepts for the synthesis and stabilization of low-valent organometallic complexes of Groups 2, 12, 13, and 15 metals and common structural motifs are described. While kinetically stabilized complexes are in the focus for more than two decades, the principle of base-stabilization only recently allowed the synthesis of unforeseen compounds. As-prepared complexes not only show fascinating structural diversities, but exhibit also very interesting chemical properties. Low-valent complexes are of particular interest in the synthesis of novel molecular complexes, but may also find applications as tailor-made precursors for the synthesis of nanosized materials.