Metal-ion assisted reactions of oximes and reactivity of oxime-containing metal complexes

The syntheses, structures and solution chemistry of oxime- and oximato-containing metal complexes have been extensively studied and described in a large number of books and reviews. However, metal-ion assisted reactions of oximes and reactivity of oxime-containing metal complexes have received much less attention and no general overview of these processes has been presented. The goal of this review is to fill this gap. Along with consideration of experimental results illustrating a rich chemistry of coordinated oximes, an attempt is made to show general features of some reactions and to systematize reaction types. In order to provide a clearer picture of different reactivity modes, possible reaction pathways are discussed and evidence for these mechanisms is provided. In conclusion the article points out certain metal-ion assisted reactions which (from the viewpoint of the authors) need more attention.