Advances in the chemistry of alkyne-substituted homo- and heterometallic carbonyl clusters of the iron, cobalt and nickel triads. An update

•Synthetic methods for the clusters.•Spectroscopic and spectrometric, theoretical and structural studies.•The bonding of alkynes bound to one up to six metal centres, the reactivity of the alkyne-substituted cluster and homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic applications.•Present and potential uses of alkyne-containing complexes.

Recent developments in the chemistry of homo- and heterometallic clusters of Iron, Cobalt and Nickel triads substituted with alkynes and related ligands are examined. New synthetic procedures, bonding modes and structural arrangements have been found. The old and recent applications of these clusters are discussed.

Graphical abstractRecent developments in the chemistry of homo- and heterometallic clusters of Iron, Cobalt and Nickel triads substituted with alkynes and related ligands are examined. New synthetic procedures, bonding modes and structural arrangements have been found. The old and recent applications of these clusters are discussed.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide