Metal-Ligand Redox Reactions

Abstract

The intent of this chapter is to review the literature published during the period January 1987 to June 1988. Some selectivity has been exercised and, like the previous authors, we view the content of this chapter to include redox reactions between metallic and nonmetallic species, regardless of whether the nonmetallic component is coordinated during electron transfer. The format is such that reactions have been grouped according to their central or reactive element. Of necessity, some topics have received little or no attention. Oxidative addition/reductive elimination reactions which ~re treated elsewhere in this volume have not been addressed unless pertinent to the area involved. Areas of metal-ligand redox reactions that have been reviewed recently include the binding and activation of molecular oxygen by copper complexes,(1) metal centered oxygen atom transfer reactions,(2) reductive dioxygen activation by use of artificial P-450 systems,(3) the utilization of O2 for the specific oxidation of organic subtrates with cobalt(II) catalysts,(4) and mechanisms of inorganic reactions of nitrous acid have been described.(5) Two books have been published dealing with organic synthesis via oxidation using metal complexes(6) and electron transfer reactions in organic chemistry.(7) Although the latter is predominantly oriented to organic reactions, the overall coverage is wide including reactions between organic molecules and metal-ion species.