Heavier Main Group Elements Carbene Analogues

Abstract

During the last ten years, it has been identified that the main groups with low oxidation state have the potential to act as catalysts when undergoing reactions. From the fact, it is realised that the frontline orbitals of the stated main groups of low oxidation state compounds are similar to those of the transition metals. However, the energy difference between the last orbitals of both groups are adequately low; the small molecules are easily to be activated. The main group with low oxidation state so far in chemistry is centred on carbene ligands (R2C:) and a more substantial group of 14 homologues (tetrylenes; R2E, E= Si, Ge, Sn, Pb). Moreover, less consideration given to the isoelectronic pnictenium cations (R2E+, E= P, Sb, Bi, As), because of the cationic charge at the pnictogen centre, these have ionic properties. For instance, compounds like silylenes (R2Si) are poor π-acceptors but good σ- donors. On the other side, phosphonium cations (R2P+) are generally poor σ-donors whereas good π-acceptors. Recently, a new method is developed by the Izod group in order to stabilise the pnictenium ions, in which P-donor substituents are used while isolating arsenium cation and in this context will attempt to synthesise diphospha-phosphonium cation {(R2P)}2P+ stabilise through P=P π -Interaction using several types of different substituents.