title: Characterisation of alkane σ-complexes.
abstract: Alkane σ-complexes have evolved from a curious phenomenon to an intermediate of intense interest, fuelling research into the area. Over the last fifteen years, metal alkane complex characterisation has evolved to incorporate reports employing UV/Vis, IR and NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray and neutron diffractometry. Previously, due to the sparse geometric characterisation of alkane σ-complexes, assumptions regarding bonding geometries and selectivities were made by comparison to related σ-complexes, or by analysis of C-H activation products. This minireview assembles relevant literature that illuminates the metrics of alkane-metal bonding, and critically analyses the binding mode, selectivity and stability of alkane complexes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore, 117543 (Singapore). rowan.young@nus.edu.sg.
authors.forename: Rowan D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Young
keywords: CH activation; alkanes; coordination modes; rhenium