Lanthanides and actinides: Annual survey of their organometallic chemistry covering the year 2010

This review summarizes the progress in organo-f-element chemistry during the year 2010. A continuing trend in organolanthanide research is a strong emphasis on applications of organolanthanide complexes in homogeneous catalysis and, to a lesser extent, materials science. Roughly 25% of all relevant papers published in 2010 were in the area of organoactinide chemistry, which continues to produce exciting results. This represents a significant increase in organoactinide research activity over 2009.

► Among the highlights in organolanthanide chemistry was the synthesis of a novel phosphinidene complex of scandium.
► Notable is the increase in new carbene complexes of lanthanides and actinides.
► The successful synthesis of molecules containing rare-earth atoms solely bonded by transition metals was an eminent achievement in 2010.
► A highlight in organoactinide chemistry in 2010 was the unambiguous detection of a terminal nitrido complex of uranium.
► A continuing trend was a strong emphasis on applications in homogeneous catalysis.