The synthesis of imido analogues of p-block oxoanions is a relatively new area of investigation. This review summarises synthetic routes towards such anions and gives an analysis of the structure and reactivity of complexes containing the following anions, [B(NR)(3)](3-) : [C(NR)(3)](2-): [Si(NR)(4)](4-); [P(NR)(4)](3-) [HP(NR)(3)](2-): [As(NR)(3)](3-) [Sb(NR)(3)](3-) [S(NR)(3)](2-): [Se(NR)(3)](2-) [Te(NR)(3)](2-) and [S(NR)(4)](2-). (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.