Hypervalent organoantimony and -bismuth compounds with pendant arm ligands

Recent developments in chemistry of hypervalent organoantimony and -bismuth complexes with bidentate (C,E)- and tridentate (E,C,E)- and (C,E,C)-ligands are reviewed. The ligands are bonded to the antimony or bismuth atoms through carbon atoms and through intramolecular coordination with dative bonds from nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atoms. Syntheses, structures including chirality aspects, reactions, fluxional behavior, biological aspects and applications in the field of catalysis and organic syntheses are considered in this review.

► Many hypervalent organoantimony and -bismuth compounds have friendly properties. ► Intramolecular coordination can lead to the stabilization of unusual compounds with remarkable structures and properties. ► Hypervalent Sb or Bi compounds show interesting chirality phenomena and dynamic behavior. ► Hypervalent Sb or Bi compounds are useful as catalysts and reagents in organic syntheses. ► Carbon dioxide and dioxygen capture and activation is achieved with hypervalent Bi compounds.