Bis(phosphorus-stabilised)methanide and methandiide derivatives of group 1-5 and f-element metals

In the past 11 years bis(phosphorus-stabilised)methanides and methandiides have emerged as valuable ligands for metals across the periodic table. This Review, focussing on structurally characterised examples, covers the synthesis, bonding, and reaction chemistry of {CH(PR2NR')2}- methanide and {C(PR2NR')2}2- and {C(PPh2S)2}2- methandiide complexes of group 1-5 and f-element metals reported between 1999 and January 2010. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2010.