Main-Group Bond Activation, Lewis Pairs, and Mechanochemical Synthesis
This community investigates the fundamental reactivity of main-group elements and their use as catalysts, alongside the development of solvent-free synthesis methods. The work focuses on activating strong chemical bonds and forming new ones using elements like boron, phosphorus, and tin, often through the use of frustrated Lewis pairs or redox-active metals.
The research is defined by the synthesis and structural characterization of main-group compounds, with a heavy emphasis on bond activation and formation. Recurring themes include the chemistry of white phosphorus, phosphine oxides, and N-heterocyclic carbenes. A significant strand of work explores mechanochemical synthesis, using mechanical force to drive reactions for organic and inorganic materials. The community also studies the coordination chemistry of alkaline earth and alkali metals, as well as the reactivity of transition metal complexes. These studies aim to understand how elements like boron, magnesium, aluminum, and tin can be used to catalyze organic transformations or form stable, unusual molecular structures.
The community is most prominent in research tracked for Germanium, where it represents 2.9% of all Germanium research, and Phosphorus, accounting for 2.5% of that element's research. It also holds a 2.2% share of Boron research.
The community comprises 39,563 papers, with the highest volume published in Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Silicon and the Related Elements, the Journal of the American Chemical Society, and Inorganic Chemistry.
Recent work continues to focus on mechanochemical protocols for sustainable synthesis and the development of new main-group catalytic systems. Notable recent studies include aluminium redox catalysis for alkyne cyclotrimerization, bismuth-photocatalysed coupling reactions, and germanium-mediated redox cycling.