Chemistry of pnictogen(iii)-nitrogen ring systems

Abstract

This critical review covers significant recent advances in the chemistry of pnictogen(III)-nitrogen ring systems, also known as cyclopnict(III) azanes. The synthetic methodologies and reactions of the heavier pnictogen systems are compared with the well-developed chemistry of cyclophosph(III) azanes. Particular attention is focused on ring-oligomerization processes and the use of four-membered E2N2 rings as building blocks for the synthesis of macrocyclic molecules. Main-group element and transition-metal complexes are also discussed.