Synthesis, Characterisation and Evaluation of Chiral Distibines,Multidentate and Macrocyclic Stibines

While the chemistry of multidentate P and As ligands has been intensively investigated over the last few decades, only one ligand of this type containing the heavier antimony element is known. Recent work by the applicants and others have however shown that very significant differences are to be found between the metal coordination and organometallic chemistry of the simple (monodentate) P and As ligands and the corresponding Sb ligands. Within this proposal a series of organoantimony compounds with 2, 3 or 4 Sb atoms, including both chiral and macrocyclic derivatives, will be prepared and their chemistry examined in detail with selected 3d and heavier transition metal centres. This work is expected to provide significant insight into the profound differences in electronic properties conferred by the Sb.