The Future of Main Group Chemistry

Abstract

After a brief reflection on the important discoveries in main group chemistry during the past century, this article provides some suggestions concerning areas in which studies of s-and p-block element compounds are likely to have a major impact on the discipline of chemistry and upon society in general in the context of significant advances that have been made in the last decade. These areas range from fundamental to applied aspects of the subject. In the former category, novel aspects of chemical bonding and new reagents for synthetic applications are considered. From a more practical perspective alternative energy sources (especially hydrogen storage), new materials (notably nanomaterials and chemical sensors), catalysis (in the context of green chemistry), and medicinal chemistry (both diagnostic and therapeutic applications) are discussed.

Diaryldichalcogenide radical cations

“…Investigations on heavier main group radicals are fewer in number, although the last decades witnessed spectacular discoveries in the chemistry of the heavier main group elements. 5 The design of novel synthetic strategies, particularly the use of very bulky substituents, has led to the isolation of a wide range of compounds, including main group radicals, an area which has been reviewed recently. 6 The interest in the one-electron oxidation of diorganodichalcogenides dates back to 1868 when it was observed that (PhS) 2 ( 1a ) dissolves in conc.…”

Transition metal complexes containing the S(NtBu)42− tetraimidosulfate dianion

“…They will considerably widen the scope of the established sulfur imido chemistry. 8,18 Results and discussion…”

Lithium Complexes of Asymmetric Hydrogen Tetraimido Sulfate

“…Clearly the S(NR) 4 2-ligand has come of age and is a valuable building block not only in main-group chemistry. [19] Experimental Section General Procedure: All experiments were performed either under an inert gas atmosphere of purified dry argon with standard Schlenk techniques [20,21] or in an argon glovebox. The glassware was dried at 130°C, assembled hot, and cooled under reduced pressure.…”