Multiple bonding in heavier element compounds stabilized by bulky terphenyl ligands.

This paper summarizes recent developments involving the preparation and reactivity of molecular species stabilized by terphenyl ligands that feature new bonding environments. Highlights include the synthesis and characterization of dimetallenes and dimetallynes, ArEEAr [E=heavy group 13 (triel) or group 14 (tetrel) element, Ar=terphenyl ligand] and, more recently, the synthesis of a stable chromium(I) dimer, ArCrCrAr, that displays a 5-fold bonding interaction between the chromium centers.