Lanthanides and actinides: Annual survey of their organometallic chemistry covering the year 2009

This review summarizes the progress in organo-f-element chemistry during the year 2009. 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 18% of all relevant papers published in 2009 were in the area of organoactinide chemistry, which continues to produce exciting results.

► Progress in organo-f-element chemistry during the year 2009 has been reviewed.
► 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.
► With [Cp*2Sm]4P8 a unique molecular polyphosphide of a rare-earth element has been synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
► Roughly 18% of all relevant papers published in 2009 were in the area of organoactinide chemistry which continues to produce exciting results.
► A highlight in organoactinide chemistry in 2009 was the synthesis and full characterization of several homoleptic uranium(IV) alkyl complexes.