Recent developments and future prospects of all-metal aromatic compounds

Area of Science:

• * Inorganic Chemistry
• * Theoretical Chemistry
• * Materials Science

Background:

• * Aromaticity and antiaromaticity are key concepts for understanding chemical stability.
• * Small inorganic and all-metal rings present unique electronic and structural properties.
• * Theoretical methods are essential for characterizing these systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To evaluate the utility of aromaticity/antiaromaticity concepts in predicting stability of small inorganic and all-metal rings.
• * To review and assess the advancements in theoretical methods for evaluating aromaticity/antiaromaticity.
• * To highlight the importance of passivation for the stability and protection of these ring systems.

Main Methods:

• * Critical revision of theoretical methods for assessing aromaticity/antiaromaticity.
• * Review of local versus non-local aromaticity indices.
• * Analysis of passivation strategies for inorganic and all-metal rings.

Main Results:

• * Aromaticity/antiaromaticity concepts effectively predict structural stability and electronic features in small inorganic and all-metal rings.
• * Local and non-local indices show varying performance in assessing aromaticity.
• * Passivation is identified as a critical factor for preventing aggregation and environmental degradation.

Conclusions:

• * Aromaticity concepts are valuable tools for understanding the behavior of small inorganic and all-metal rings.
• * Continued development of theoretical methods is needed for accurate characterization.
• * Surface passivation is essential for the practical application and longevity of these compounds.