Cationic group 13 complexes

In order to provide a foundation for continued work on group 13 cations as a class of distinct compounds, this overview will provide a classification system based upon the reactions that are used in their formation. The liter ature on the formation of aluminum cations is broad so the classification s ystem will be developed with a focus on this element. However, in most case s the reaction types are of sufficient generality such that they can be app lied to gallium and indium as well. In some instances the formation of gall ium and indium cations occur through unique routes. In these cases new reac tion types will be defined in the gallium and indium chemistry. At this poi nt in time the interest in group 13 cations has largely been fundamental in nature. However, there is a growing awareness that these types of complexe s may be applicable to a wide range of Lewis acid mediated reactions and ca talytic applications. Brief mention will be made of those that are currentl y known. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.