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 (95 references).