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Main-group multiple bonds
Article By:
Tokitoh, Norihiro Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
Last reviewed:2013
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.YB130112
The valence orbitals of the main-group elements (groups 1, 2, and 13–18) are fully occupied or have empty s and p orbitals, while those of the transition metals are dominated by the presence of d orbitals, in addition to s and p orbitals. It is well accepted that the main-group elements usually have relatively strong covalent bonds using s and p orbitals compared with the transition metals, which form highly ionic chemical bonds. As a result, compounds of the main-group elements show relatively low reactivity compared to transition metals, and very few examples are known of the activation of small molecules (such as those bearing H
H, CH, or CO bonds) with compounds of the main-group elements, in contrast to the rich chemistry of the transition metals.
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