Frustrated Lewis Pair Chemistry: Development and Perspectives

TLDR

Frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) are combinations of Lewis acids and Lewis bases that, due to steric or electronic factors, are prevented from forming strong adducts, thereby enabling novel cooperative reactions with added substrates. This review outlines the current state of this rapidly expanding field and considers future directions for its broadening sphere of impact. The authors survey recent FLP developments and discuss prospective research avenues. Small‑molecule binding and activation by FLPs has yielded a variety of new reactions through unprecedented pathways, and hydrogen activation followed by metal‑free catalytic hydrogenation is a frequently observed feature of many FLPs.

Abstract

Frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) are combinations of Lewis acids and Lewis bases in solution that are deterred from strong adduct formation by steric and/or electronic factors. This opens pathways to novel cooperative reactions with added substrates. Small-molecule binding and activation by FLPs has led to the discovery of a variety of new reactions through unprecedented pathways. Hydrogen activation and subsequent manipulation in metal-free catalytic hydrogenations is a frequently observed feature of many FLPs. The current state of this young but rapidly expanding field is outlined in this Review and the future directions for its broadening sphere of impact are considered.