Group 6 High Oxidation State Alkylidene and Alkylidyne Complexes

Abstract

This article reports the progress since ~2002 in the synthesis of high oxidation state alkylidene and alkylidyne complexes of primarily molybdenum (VI) and tungsten (VI). There have been several significant advances during that time with respect to the role of alkylidene complexes as selective catalysts for the alkene metathesis reaction and alkylidyne complexes as catalysts for the alkyne metathesis reaction. The discovery and development of high oxidation state metal-carbon double and triple bonds are covered selectively as background. Applications of alkene and alkyne metathesis in organic and polymer chemistry are not covered in detail.