Redox induced reactions of transition metal π- and σ,π-complexes

In this review, redox-induced reactions of π- and σ,π-complexes leading to the selective formation (or cleavage) of C–H, C–C, and C–O bonds have been summarized. To illustrate the synthetic potential of such methodology, the following representative reactions studied in our group are discussed: (1) oxidatively induced hydrogen elimination from “open” cyclic diene and dienyl complexes resulting in formation of “closed” dienyl and arene complexes, respectively; (2) reductive activation of C–H bonds in diene, vinylidene, and carbyne complexes forming new multiple C–C bonds; (3) oxidative dehydrodimerization of vinylidene complexes into binuclear μ-divinylidene species; and (4) oxidatively induced addition of oxygen nucleophiles to μ-divinylidene complexes affording cyclic μ-dicarbene derivatives.