Frank T.
Edelmann
*a and
Peter
Junk
*b
aChemisches Institut der Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany. E-mail: frank.edelmann@ovgu.de
bCollege of Science, Technology & Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia. E-mail: peter.junk@jcu.edu.au
Although the lanthanide and actinide series are normally displayed as “footnotes” in the Periodic Table, many of these elements play crucial roles in a variety of today's high-tech applications. For the rare-earth elements, magnetism, luminescence, and catalysis are the most important areas for practical applications. Organolanthanide compounds are increasingly employed in homogeneous catalysis, as volatile precursors in materials science, and in organic synthesis.
Steve Jobs's motto “Think different!” also applies to the chemistry of the rare-earth and actinide elements. The organometallic chemistry of these elements differs largely from that of the d-transition metals. Generally accepted principles of organo-d-transition metal chemistry do not apply to organo-f-element compounds. This includes the well-known 18-electron rule, σ-donor/π-acceptor metal–ligand bonding, the formation of stable carbonyls, olefin and alkyne complexes, as well as the formation of stable MO or MN multiple bonds. Direct metal–metal bonds between lanthanide and actinide atoms have not yet been realized. In addition, their highly oxophilic character renders organo-f-element compounds generally very sensitive toward air and moisture, adding to the very special character of these materials. On the other hand, unprecedented molecular structures and reaction pathways (e.g. C–H activation and CO oligomerization) uncommon for d-transition metals account for the great fascination of organolanthanide and organoactinide chemistry.
The contributions compiled in this NJC themed issue provide an excellent overview of recent developments at the “frontiers” of organo-f-element chemistry.
This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 2015 |