This literature discussion is based on a 2022 Science paper describing a series of dilanthanide complexes with exceptional magnetic properties due to the presence of metal-metal bonding. These molecules are the first reported species to feature direct bonding between two lanthanides! The paper contains ample material for discussion of molecular symmetry and bonding, oxidation states and electron configurations, and magnetism. The handout includes a description, glossary, discussion questions, and pre-class worksheet.

This paper describes work from the Milstein group in which ruthenium catalysts with pincer ligands are used to depolymerize nylons by breaking the C-N bond and hydrogenating the resulting products to amines and alcohols. Waste plastic is a serious environmental concern that needs a solution. Organometallic chemists put significant effort into finding ways to convert monomers into polymers, and now we must figure out ways to do the reverse.

This literature discussion was created to accompany the coordination chemistry chapter of a foundation-level inorganic course. It introduces the concept of cyclopentadienyl (Cp) ring slippage as a mechanism for ligand substitution.

This literature discussion was created to accompany the coordination chemistry chapter of a foundation-level inorganic course. It introduces the concept of C-H agostic interactions.