Principal trends in the chemistry of amidinate complexes of main-group and transition elements

Principal trends in modern organometallic chemistry of transition and main group elements containing amidinate ligands are analysed. The nature of element–amidinate ligand bonding inferred from the X-ray structural data and computational studies is discussed. Synthesis and reactivity of Group 1–15 metal amidinate complexes are reviewed. Particular emphasis is drawn to the use of amidinate complexes as catalysts for olefin polymerisation and organic synthesis. Prospects in the development in this area of chemistry are suggested.