Chemistry of the p-block elements with anionic scorpionate ligands

•Chemistry of p-block metals and metalloids with anionic heterocyclic borate ligands is reviewed and N and S-donor ligands are compared.•Complexes with group 13 and 14 elements are widespread with both N- and S-donor ligands.•Complexes of group 15 elements are common for the S-donor ligands but rare with N-donor ligands.•Only one complex is known with group 16 elements.•S-donor ligands are able to form a wider range of structural types and often form more stable species.

The chemistry of the p-block elements with both N- and S-donor anionic poly-heterocyclic borate ligands is reviewed, with an emphasis on the synthesis and structural types obtained.