Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of Niobium and Tantalum Alkyne Complexes

Abstract

This review focuses on niobium and tantalum organometallic complexes that feature a metal-bound alkyne (RC≡CR) unit. The contrasting MIII–alkyne/MV–“alkenediyl” bonding motifs used to describe the metal–ligand interaction in these complexes are discussed. An overview of the spectroscopic and crystallographic structural metrics that are used to characterize alkyne complexes is also included. The various routes employed for the synthesis of tantalum and niobium alkyne complexes are summarized, and the reactivity of these complexes, including potential synthetic applications, is also addressed.