Non-precious metal complexes with an anionic PCP pincer architecture

Area of Science:

• Coordination Chemistry
• Organometallic Chemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Anionic PCP pincer ligands are crucial in coordination chemistry.
• Non-precious metals offer sustainable alternatives to precious metals in catalysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in non-precious metal PCP pincer complexes.
• To summarize key developments from 1976 to 2015.
• To highlight potential catalytic applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of PCP pincer complexes involving non-precious metals.
• Analysis of reported catalytic activities and applications.
• Focus on complexes with aliphatic systems.

Main Results:

• Extensive research exists for nickel PCP complexes with diverse catalytic applications.
• Cobalt, iron, and molybdenum PCP complexes are less explored but show catalytic potential.
• Molybdenum PCP complexes have demonstrated dinitrogen cleavage.

Conclusions:

• Non-precious metal PCP complexes, particularly with nickel, cobalt, and iron, are promising for developing novel catalysts.
• Further research into these complexes could lead to efficient, atom-efficient catalytic reactions.
• Exploration of other non-precious metals for PCP complex formation is warranted.