Abstract:
We have been interested in main-group compounds having positive charges on their reactive sites that shows implications in Lewis-acid catalysis. We have been engaged in utilizing Ge(II) di- and mono-cations as ligands towards Au(I) for Lewis-acid catalysis and in cooperative catalysis respectively. In 2021, we have reported the stabilization of the fugitive Sb(I) cation which is the isoelectronic analogue of carbones. The rich electronics available at the Sb(I) cation leading to its coordination towards transition metal ions and the unusual reactivity with main-group compounds will be discussed. Our group is currently focussed on the stabilization of Sb(III) and Bi(III) polycations within redox-active ligand frameworks. The unique electronic features of these highly charged compounds and their implications will be discussed. In Group 14 chemistry, we have established low-coordinate Ge(IV) mono- and di-cations (E = Si, Ge) as Lewis acid catalysts. The conceptualization of the Lewis acid and systematic study on their catalytic efficacies for organic transformations will be presented.