Cationic group 13 complexes

In order to provide a foundation for continued work on group 13 cations as a class of distinct compounds, this overview will provide a classification system based upon the reactions that are used in their formation. The literature on the formation of aluminum cations is broad so the classification system will be developed with a focus on this element. However, in most cases the reaction types are of sufficient generality such that they can be applied to gallium and indium as well. In some instances the formation of gallium and indium cations occur through unique routes. In these cases new reaction types will be defined in the gallium and indium chemistry. At this point in time the interest in group 13 cations has largely been fundamental in nature. However, there is a growing awareness that these types of complexes may be applicable to a wide range of Lewis acid mediated reactions and catalytic applications. Brief mention will be made of those that are currently known. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.