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Updated: Mar 12, 2026

The Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity of a Series of Ruthenium N-triphosPh Complexes
Published on: April 10, 2015
Stabilizing the EN triple bonds in pnictogen mononitrides
Aswin Chandran1, Simon Edin1, Mattias Tan1
1Department of Chemistry, Centre for Analysis and Synthesis, Lund University, Naturvetarvägen 22, 22100 Lund, Sweden. anders.reinholdt@chem.lu.se.
Researchers explored the chemistry of pnictogen mononitrides (E≡N), focusing on their triple bond stability and reactivity. Strategies were developed to stabilize these unusual bonding motifs for further study.
Area of Science:
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Main-Group Chemistry
- Chemical Bonding
Background:
- Diatomic triple bonds in main-group elements are rare, with dinitrogen (N≡N) being exceptionally stable.
- Heavier pnictogens (Group 15) typically form unstable triple bonds, decomposing readily.
- Pnictogen mononitrides (E≡N, where E = P, As, Sb, Bi) represent a challenging yet intriguing class of compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey the evolving chemistry of pnictogen mononitrides (E≡N).
- To review methods for stabilizing and studying these reactive species.
- To highlight the diverse reactivity and future research directions in E≡N chemistry.
Main Methods:
- Review of gas-phase observations and cryogenic matrix isolation studies.
- Analysis of recent synthetic strategies in solution.
- Examination of stabilization techniques using organic fragments and transition metals.
Main Results:
- Pnictogen mononitrides (E≡N) have transitioned from transient species to synthetically accessible compounds.
- Stabilization strategies enable controlled studies of their unique reactivity.
- Observed reactivity includes radical/closed-shell transformations, electrophilic/nucleophilic behavior, and E≡N group transfer.
Conclusions:
- The chemistry of pnictogen mononitrides (E≡N) offers a rich playground for exploring multiple-bond reactivity in main-group elements.
- Stabilized E≡N motifs open new avenues in inorganic and materials chemistry.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the ambiguous and unexplored aspects of E≡N triple bond chemistry.
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