Book Chapters

J.G.Knight, Volume Editor. Science of  Synthesis, 2005, 18, 1.

Abstract: This volume concerns the synthesis of functional groups in which carbon has four bonds to heteroatoms. This represents an enormously diverse range of chemistry, and a correspondingly wide variety of functionality, from highly unsaturated systems such as heterocumulenes (e.g., carbon dioxide) to compounds with no p-bonds, such as carbon tetrafluoride. Despite this diversity, much of the chemistry is dominated by that of the carbonyl group and its direct heteroatom analogues, such as the imino and thiocarbonyl groups. A central role is played by phosgene (COCl₂) which, despite its toxicity, is a useful precursor to many of the other functional groups in Volume 18. While most of the compound classes have been known for a very long time, some have proven more elusive and have only recently been prepared and identified, through advances in synthetic methodology and spectroscopic techniques. Such compounds include phosphaalkene and phosphaalkyne derivatives, and several selenium- and tellurium-based functional groups.