7 Nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony and bismuth

Abstract

Group 15 has generated fascinating chemistry in recent years, and 2003 was no exception. Highlights of the year included the preparation of an inorganic fullerene-like compound containing P₅ and P₄Cu₂ rings, an arsenic–nickel complex with a three-shell structure and the isolation of the phosphorus oxide ozonide P₄O₁₈. Details of all of these are included below. Nitrogen and phosphorus compounds have continued to be used extensively as ligands, though space limitations have precluded detailing the use of Group 15-containing compounds in this manner unless transformation of the ligand itself was involved or an unusual coordination mode was observed. As in previous years the summaries of each work cited are as concise as possible in order to maximise the range of chemistry described.