Gregory Robinson (University of Georgia)
Stabilization of Highly Reactive Molecules
This laboratory has long been interested in the synthesis and structure of unusual
molecules. These efforts have resulted in experimental realization of metalloaromaticity
(the concept that metallic rings may also display traditional aromatic behavior) and
novel compounds containing multiple bonding between main-group metals. Our recent
efforts concerning the utilization of N-heterocyclic carbene ligands (L:) with main-group
nonmetals such as boron, silicon, and phosphorus has resulted in carbene-stabilized
examples of diborene,1,2 L:(H)B=B(H):L, disilicon,3 L:Si=Si:L, and diphosphorus,4 L:P-
P:L. This presentation will highlight the interesting chemistry of these compounds and
the critical role of the carbene ligand systems.