Alkali Blues: Blue-Emissive Alkali Metal Pyrrolates

Mononuclear indium(III) photosensitizers for photo-dehalogenation and olefin reduction

Photoactive main-group complexes have been relatively underexplored in photocatalytic applications. Herein, we report a family of indium(III) complexes (In-1-In-4) containing pyridylpyrrolide ligands with different amounts of methyl groups, which all exhibit intense visible-light absorption as well as blue-green emission with nanosecond emission lifetimes and emission quantum yields of 6.7-12.5%. Electrochemical studies and quantum chemical calculations indicate that their (photo-)redox processes involve only ligand-centered events, which efficiently mediate photocatalytic dehalogenation and olefin reduction.

Bright luminescent lithium and magnesium carbene complexes

We report on the convenient synthesis of a CNC pincer ligand composed of carbazole and two mesoionic carbenes, as well as the corresponding lithium- and magnesium complexes. Mono-deprotonation affords a rare "naked" amide anion. In contrast to the proligand and its mono-deprotonated form, tri-deprotonated s-block complexes show bright luminescence, and their photophysical properties were therefore investigated by absorption- and luminescence spectroscopy. They reveal a quantum yield of 16% in solution at ambient temperature. Detailed quantum-chemical calculations assist in rationalizing the emissive properties based on an Intra-Ligand-Charge-Transfer (ILCT) between the carbazolido- and mesoionic carbene ligands. (Earth-)alkali metals prevent the distortion of the ligand following excitation and, thus, by avoiding non-radiative deactivation support bright luminescence.

Main Group Metal-Mediated Transformations of Imines

Main-group-metal-mediated transformations of imines have earned a valued place in the synthetic chemist's toolbox. Their versatility allows the simple preparation of various nitrogen containing compounds. This review will outline the early discoveries including metallation, addition/cyclisation and metathesis pathways, followed by the modern-day use of imines in synthetic methodology. Recent advances in imine C-F activation protocols are discussed, alongside revisiting "classic" imine reactivity from a sustainable perspective. Developments in catalytic methods for hydroelementation of imines have been reviewed, highlighting the importance of s-block metals in the catalytic arena. Whilst stoichiometric transformations in alternative reaction media such as deep eutectic solvents or water have been summarised. The incorporation of imines into flow chemistry has received recent attention and is summarised within.

Light controlled oxidation by supramolecular Zn(ii) Schiff-base complexes

Application of Schiff-base ligands for the controlled zinc ion induced formation of electronic triplet states and the initialisation of photoreactivity.