Hydride encapsulation by molecular alkali-metal clusters

摘要: The sequential treatment of group 12 and 13 Lewis acids with alkali-metal organometallics is well established to yield so-called ''ate' complexes, whereby the Lewis-acid metal undergoes nucleophilic attack give an anion, at least one 1 acting counter this charge. However, alternative, less recognised, reaction pathway involves acid abstracting hydride from organolithium reagent via a beta-elimination mechanism. It has recently been shown that in presence N,N'-bidentate ligands chemistry can be harnessed new type molecular main-group cluster which abstracted LiH effectively trapped, ion occupying interstitial site core. Discussion focuses on development field, detailing advances our understanding roles acid, organolithium, amine substrates syntheses these compounds. Structure-types are discussed, as efforts manipulate geometry composition hydride-coordination. Embryonic mechanistic studies reported, attempts generate hydride-encapsulation clusters under catalytic control.