Frustrated Lewis pair chemistry.

Frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) chemistry, a concept that has emerged in the last decade, presents unique systems capable of metal-free hydrogenation by using simple combinations of cooperative main group element components. This finding is particularly interesting given that hydrogenation is a chemical reaction that is performed on a huge scale worldwide with current technologies relying on metal-based catalysts. Over the last 10 years, the range of FLP catalysts has been probed and expanded. At the same time, the concept has also been exploited to employ simple combinations of main group reagents to activate a range of other small molecules. In some cases, these have afforded new avenues and uniquely metal-free routes to desirable materials transformations. In addition, the concept of FLPs has found application in the development of models for some enzymatic systems, new transition metal chemistry and in the description of unique surface chemistry that has led to the discovery of new heterogeneous catalysts. This issue of Philosophical Transactions A is focused on this area of chemistry. The articles herein cover a range of aspects of FLP chemistry. We begin with a conceptual consideration of the broader context of FLP chemistry by Fontaine & Stephan [1] and then Bullock & Chambers [2] provide an overview of the notion of FLP chemistry across the periodic table. Grimme and co-workers [3] provide a discussion of the theoretical considerations of the quintessential reaction of FLPs, the activation of H2, while Erker and co-workers [4] report on the development of FLPs derived from carbon-Lewis bases and boron-Lewis acids. Melen and co-workers [5] discuss reactions of FLPs inspired by biologically relevant systems and Uhl and co-workers [6] describe aluminiumphosphorus based FLPs. Gowda & Chen [7] apply FLPs in selective polymerizations of butyrolactones.