Homo- and heteroatomic polycations of groups 15 and 16. Recent advances in synthesis and isolation using room temperature ionic liquids

Polycations of the electron-rich main group elements are interesting in terms of their diverse structural chemistry and chemical bonding. They constitute a well-established class of compounds of intrinsic fascination and have been widely studied in the past. In this contribution, different routes for the synthesis of polycations of groups 15 and 16 are reviewed and their advantages and limitations are briefly compared. It is concluded that the most recent synthesis procedure in ionic liquid media is a good alternative approach due to mild reaction conditions, process economics, simple treatment, high yield and little influence on environment.

• The syntheses and structures of main group polycations are reviewed.
• Advantages and limitations of different synthetic approaches are compared.
• The benefit of room temperature ionic liquids as reaction media is demonstrated.