Recent development in the chemistry of transition metal-containing metallabenzenes and metallabenzynes

Transition metal-containing metallabenzenes and metallabenzynes are organometallic compounds derived from formal replacement of a CH group or a C atom in benzene and benzyne by an isolobal transition metal fragment. The chemistry of these interesting metallaaromatics has received considerable attention in recent years. A number of such complexes have been obtained from various synthetic routes. Interesting chemical properties of these complexes have also been reported. This review summarizes recent progress in the synthesis and reactivity of metallabenzenes and metallabenzynes.

► The recent progress in the chemistry of metallabenzenes and metallabenzynes are reviewed. ► Synthetic routes to metallabenzenes and metallabenzynes are summarized. ► Chemical properties of metallabenzenes and metallabenzynes are described. ► The aromatic properties of metallabenzenes and metallabenzynes are discussed.