Organometallic π-Tweezers, NCN Pincers, and Ferrocenes as Molecular “Tinkertoys” in the Synthesis of Multiheterometallic Transition-Metal Complexes

This review describes the synthesis, reaction chemistry, structures, and bonding of early−late heterodi-, heterotri-, and heterotetrametallic transition-metal complexes by applying the molecular “Tinkertoy” approach. As connecting units between the different metal atoms, π-conjugated carbon-rich organic and/or inorganic groups can be used. The electrochemical behavior of such one-dimensional molecular wire molecules, coordination polymers, starlike structures, and dendritic oriented transition-metal species, respectively, is presented as well.