Penta-arylcyclopentadienyl complexes

This review covers the coordination and general chemistry of the 1,2,3,4,5-penta-arylcyclopentadiene system, as anion, C5Ar5−, radical, C5Ar5, and cation, C5Ar5+, as well as the neutral diene, C5Ar5H, and its derivatives. The structural rigidity and steric saturation offered by the penta-arylcyclopentadienyl ligand give rise to definite structural and geometric properties in its complexes that distinguish its chemistry from that of the parent cyclopentadiene.

Research highlights► Aryl substitution in penta-arylcyclopentadienes distinguishes their chemistry. ► Classical and modern synthetic routes to penta-arylcyclopentadienes are available. ► Deca-aryl metallocenes routinely possess S10 molecular geometry. ► Penta-aryl cyclopentadienes coordinate to metals across the periodic table.