Synthetic applications of p block metal dimethylamido reagents

The reactions of dimethylamido p block metal reagents with primary amines (RNH2) and primary amido and phosphido alkali metal complexes ([REHM]; E = N, P; M = alkali metal) furnish direct routes to a range of imido and phosphinidene compounds. In particular, novel p block metal polyimido and phosphinidene anions are readily accessible from these reactions. These function as versatile ligands to a variety of main group and transition metals, giving a structured approach to the assembly of heterometallic complexes containing a broad spectrum of mixed-metal stoichiometries. This review describes the synthetic applications of p block metal dimethylamido reagents to a range of p block metal compounds and the structures and reactivities of the imido and phosphinidene complexes produced. (C) 1998 EIsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.