Review: Structurally characterized α-diimine complexes of s- and p-block elements

This review provides an account on the structurally characterized s- and p-block element complexes of neutral α-diimine ligands and their chemical properties. These ligands provide the opportunity to control the coordination sphere around the main group element center and electronic properties of the complexes by varying the substituents present in them. In many instances, α-diimine main group element complexes themselves undergo reactivity via redox and free radical mechanisms.