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Inorganic and Organometallic Chemistry
Research Guide
What is Inorganic and Organometallic Chemistry?
Inorganic and organometallic chemistry is the study of compounds containing metal-carbon bonds and metal complexes, encompassing advances in catalysis, organic synthesis, functional group transformations, spectroscopy, asymmetric synthesis, green chemistry, heterocyclic compounds, oxidation reactions, and NMR spectroscopy.
The field includes 165,214 works with a focus on metal complexes and coordination chemistry. Key areas cover palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions and room-temperature ionic liquids as solvents for synthesis and catalysis. Natural bond orbital analysis provides a donor-acceptor viewpoint on intermolecular interactions in these systems.
Topic Hierarchy
Research Sub-Topics
Transition Metal Catalysis
This sub-topic covers the design, synthesis, and mechanistic studies of transition metal complexes used as catalysts in organic transformations. Researchers investigate ligand effects, reaction mechanisms, and applications in cross-coupling and C-H activation.
Main Group Organometallic Chemistry
Focuses on the reactivity and bonding of main group elements in organometallic compounds, including low-valent species and frustrated Lewis pairs. Studies explore their use in small molecule activation and catalysis.
Inorganic Spectroscopy
Examines spectroscopic techniques like NMR, EPR, and IR for characterizing inorganic and organometallic compounds, including dynamic processes and electronic structures. Researchers develop methods for structural elucidation in solution and solid states.
Bioinorganic Chemistry
Investigates metal ions in biological systems, modeling active sites of metalloproteins and developing metal-based therapeutics. Research includes synthetic models for oxygen activation and electron transfer.
Cluster Compounds
Studies discrete molecular clusters of metals and ligands, focusing on synthesis, bonding theories, and reactivity patterns. Applications include catalysis mimics and nanomaterials precursors.
Why It Matters
Inorganic and organometallic chemistry enables palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of organoboron compounds, which Miyaura and Suzuki (1995) detailed with applications in pharmaceutical synthesis, achieving selective C-C bond formation used in drugs like those produced by pharmaceutical industries. Room-temperature ionic liquids serve as solvents for synthesis and catalysis, as reviewed by Welton (1999), reducing waste in industrial processes. Recent metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) bind two gas molecules at each metal site for selective adsorption of carbon monoxide, advancing gas separation technologies. The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi recognizes MOF development for storage and purification applications.
Reading Guide
Where to Start
'Intermolecular interactions from a natural bond orbital, donor-acceptor viewpoint' by Reed, Curtiss, and Weinhold (1988), as it provides foundational analysis of bonding applicable to metal complexes and organometallics, serving as a cited reference (17,014 times) for understanding donor-acceptor interactions.
Key Papers Explained
Reed et al. (1988) in 'Intermolecular interactions from a natural bond orbital, donor-acceptor viewpoint' establishes bonding theory, which Miyaura and Suzuki (1995) apply in 'Palladium-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions of Organoboron Compounds' to explain organometallic catalysis mechanisms. Welton (1999) builds on these in 'Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids. Solvents for Synthesis and Catalysis' by integrating solvents that enhance such reactions. Linsebigler et al. (1995) extend principles to photocatalysis in 'Photocatalysis on TiO2 Surfaces: Principles, Mechanisms, and Selected Results', connecting inorganic surfaces to organometallic processes. Anastas and Warner (1998) in 'Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice' incorporate these advances into sustainable practices.
Paper Timeline
Most-cited paper highlighted in red. Papers ordered chronologically.
Advanced Directions
Recent preprints emphasize coordination chemistry with ligands (11,714 in Organometallics), pincer complexes (64), and palladium (1,278), alongside news on MOFs binding two CO molecules per site and the 2025 Nobel for Kitagawa, Robson, and Yaghi's frameworks. Manganese complexes mimic noble-metal photocatalysts, and tools like Architector generate 3D metal complex structures.
Papers at a Glance
| # | Paper | Year | Venue | Citations | Open Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intermolecular interactions from a natural bond orbital, donor... | 1988 | Chemical Reviews | 17.0K | ✕ |
| 2 | Principles of Polymer Chemistry. | 1954 | Journal of the America... | 16.6K | ✕ |
| 3 | Principles of polymer chemistry | 1995 | Choice Reviews Online | 15.3K | ✕ |
| 4 | Spectrometric identification of organic compounds | 1962 | Journal of Chemical Ed... | 14.2K | ✕ |
| 5 | Palladium-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions of Organoboron Co... | 1995 | Chemical Reviews | 12.6K | ✕ |
| 6 | Critical Review of rate constants for reactions of hydrated el... | 1988 | Journal of Physical an... | 11.8K | ✕ |
| 7 | Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids. Solvents for Synthesis and Cat... | 1999 | Chemical Reviews | 11.7K | ✓ |
| 8 | Photocatalysis on TiO2 Surfaces: Principles, Mechanisms, and S... | 1995 | Chemical Reviews | 11.4K | ✕ |
| 9 | Supramolecular Chemistry | 1995 | — | 9.8K | ✕ |
| 10 | Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice | 1998 | — | 8.6K | ✕ |
In the News
Scientists just overturned a 100-year-old rule of chemistry ...
**Study Authors and Funding**
From Nano to Nobel: National Lab Researchers Use MOFs to Solve Big Problems – Berkeley Lab News Center
development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and the techniques for designing and synthesizing new MOF structures – a field termed “reticular chemistry.”
New MOF binds two gas molecules at each metal site
* A new metal–organic framework (MOF) selectively adsorbs two molecules of carbon monoxide at each metal site. The US-based researchers that developed it believe that the underlying chemistry may e...
Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 – Scientific Background
Metal–Organic Frameworks The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025, for the development of me...
Manganese edges into the realm of noble-metal photochemistry
Manganese edges into the realm of noble-metal photochemistry Pairing manganese with an off-the-shelf ligand yields a low-cost complex that mimics precious-metal photocatalysts cen.acs.org ### Mo...
Code & Tools
The VOID: Voronoi Organic-Inorganic Docker package ( `VOID`) is a software designed to create conformations of molecules docked inside crystal stru...
Reaction Network (`rxn\_network`) is a Python package for synthesis planning and predicting chemical reaction pathways in inorganic materials synth...
Architector is a 3D chemical structure generation software package designed to take minimal 2D information about ligands and metal centers and gene...
POMSimulator is a software for predicting the aqueous speciation and self-assembly mechanism of polyoxometalates. Based on a pure Python framework,...
MACE is an open source toolkit for the automated screening and discovery of metal complexes. MACE is developed by Ivan Chernyshov as part of the Ev...
Recent Preprints
Organometallics Journal - ACS Publications
* Inorganic chemistry + Coordination chemistry o Ligands (11714) o Coordination compounds (180) o Pincer complexes (64) o Complexation (56) o Fischer Carbenes (31) o Chelation (16) o Ligand...
Inorganic Chemistry Journal - ACS Publications
### All Subject Areas * **Inorganic chemistry * **Coordination chemistry * Ligands (19636) * Coordination compounds (339) * Complexation (195) * Pincer complexes (15) * Chelation (13) * Liga...
Applied Organometallic Chemistry
Applied Organometallic Chemistry publishes research in all areas of organometallic and metal-organic chemistry involving main group metals, transition metals, lanthanides and actinides. This leadin...
A comprehensive review on organometallic catalysis in ...
Organometallic chemistry occupies a central position at the interface of inorganic and organic chemistry, functioning as a cornerstone of modern synthetic methodology. This comprehensive review pro...
Organometallic - RSC Advances (RSC Publishing)
Inorganic (90 articles)
Latest Developments
Recent developments in inorganic and organometallic chemistry include the upcoming 2026 Organometallic Chemistry Conference focusing on modern concepts and breakthroughs in the field (GRC), the call for nominations for the 2026 Rising Stars in Organic and Inorganic Chemistry highlighting emerging researchers (ACS), and ongoing research articles such as the discovery of a berkelium–carbon bond in a berkelocene complex (Science) and the synthesis of a lanthanide–nickel intermetallic within a fullerene cage (Nature). Additionally, the journal *Inorganic Chemistry* continues to publish recent advances in the field (ACS), with research exploring new structures, bonding, and applications in inorganic and organometallic systems as of February 2026.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
What are natural bond orbitals in inorganic and organometallic chemistry?
Natural bond orbitals describe intermolecular interactions from a donor-acceptor viewpoint, as presented by Reed, Curtiss, and Weinhold (1988) in 'Intermolecular interactions from a natural bond orbital, donor-acceptor viewpoint'. This approach analyzes bonding in metal complexes and organometallic systems. The paper has received 17,014 citations.
How do palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions work?
Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of organoboron compounds form C-C bonds between organoboranes and organic halides. Miyaura and Suzuki (1995) reviewed mechanisms and applications in 'Palladium-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions of Organoboron Compounds', cited 12,550 times. These reactions support asymmetric synthesis and functional group transformations.
What role do ionic liquids play in organometallic catalysis?
Room-temperature ionic liquids act as solvents for synthesis and catalysis in organometallic reactions. Welton (1999) covered their properties in 'Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids. Solvents for Synthesis and Catalysis', with 11,680 citations. They enable green chemistry by minimizing volatile organic solvents.
What are key applications of TiO2 photocatalysis?
Photocatalysis on TiO2 surfaces drives oxidation reactions and pollutant degradation. Linsebigler, Lu, and Yates (1995) outlined principles and mechanisms in 'Photocatalysis on TiO2 Surfaces: Principles, Mechanisms, and Selected Results', cited 11,402 times. These processes apply to environmental remediation and inorganic synthesis.
What principles define green chemistry in this field?
Green chemistry principles guide safer feedstocks, reaction types, and chemical design in organometallic synthesis. Anastas and Warner (1998) defined them in 'Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice', cited 8,562 times. The work evaluates impacts across catalysis and heterocyclic compound synthesis.
Open Research Questions
- ? How can earth-abundant metals like manganese fully replace noble metals in photochemistry while maintaining efficiency?
- ? What ligand designs optimize MOFs for binding multiple gas molecules per metal site?
- ? Which pincer complexes best enable ligand substitution in coordination compounds for catalysis?
- ? How do natural bond orbital analyses predict reactivity in Fischer carbenes?
- ? What mechanisms govern self-assembly of polyoxometalates in aqueous speciation?
Recent Trends
Preprints show focus on ligands (19,636 in Inorganic Chemistry, 11,714 in Organometallics), coordination compounds (339, 180), and pincer complexes (15, 64), with palladium (1,278) and platinum (934) dominant.
News highlights 2025 Nobel Prize to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi for metal-organic frameworks, new MOFs binding two CO molecules per metal site, and manganese entering noble-metal photochemistry.
Tools like VOID for docking and Architector for 3D complex design support these advances.
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