Geometrically constrained main group elements

We aim to design tridentate pincer ligands which feature redox activity and structural rigidity to enable the synthesis of bent and T-shaped main group elements compounds.

The molecular distortion towards such geometries unlocks new reaction pathways, e.g. ambiphilic small molecule activation reactions. These species are expected to show interesting chemical properties and show high promise in the field of cooperative catalysis, such as hydrogenation, hydroelementation and dehydrogenation catalysis. Furthermore, they display unusual photochemical properties that might allow for light induced redox processes akin to established transition metal chemistry.

See our recent publication and review for further details.