New Perspectives for Aminotroponiminates: Coordination Chemistry, Redox Behavior, Cooperativity, and Catalysis

Abstract

Aminotroponiminates (ATIs) are monoanionic ligands with an N,N‐binding pocket and a rigid, planar, unsaturated, C7‐ring as a ligand backbone. Recent findings show that this ligand backbone can play an active role in coordination chemistry, redox reactions, and ligand‐centered reactivity of ATI complexes. Based on these results, ATIs have been recognized as redox‐active and cooperative ligands, which has implications for existing and potential future applications of ATI compounds in synthesis, catalysis, and materials science. The catalytic applications of ATI complexes are summarized in this Microreview, including results from the fields of hydroamination, epoxidation, cyanosilylation, ε‐caprolactone‐, olefin‐, epoxide‐, and epoxide/CO2 (co‐)polymerization as well as electron transfer catalysis. Furthermore, recent advances in the use of ATI ligands for stabilizing heavy analogs of carbon oxo compounds are showcased.