Structural and bonding characteristics in transition metal–silane complexes

Abstract

Transition metal–silane complexes containing metal–η²-H–Si coordination display different structural and bonding characteristics in comparison to other σ-complexes, such as dihydrogen and alkane (agostic) complexes. The different characteristics can be related to the strong σ*-accepting properties of the η²-silane ligand(s) because of the weaker H–Si σ bond. Various examples of metal–silane complexes have been reviewed and their structural stabilities have been systematically discussed. Silyl–hydride complexes having substantial silyl–hydrido interactions have also been emphasized.