Activation of molecular nitrogen:: Coordination, cleavage and functionalization of N2 mediated by metal complexes

Recent developments in the activation and reactivity of coordinated dinitrogen are reviewed. Examples of weakly activated dinitrogen metal complexes, strongly reduced nitrogen-nitrogen bonds and N-2 cleavage reactions are discussed. Protonation reactions to form ammonia or hydrazido derivatives are covered along with processes in which nitrogen-boron, nitrogen-silicon or nitrogen-carbon bonds can form. Although this review builds on previous publications, a general introduction to this field is included. 1 Introduction 1.1 Background 1.2 Coordination Chemistry of Dinitrogen 2 Dinitrogen Activation 3 Dinitrogen Cleavage 4 Reactivity of Coordinated Dinitrogen 4.1 Formation of N-H Bonds From Coordinated Dinitrogen 4.2 Formation of N-Element Bonds From Coordinated Dinitrogen 5 Final Thoughts.