Formazans and their metal complexes

The current data on the structure of formazans in crystals and in solutions are considered and some problems of tautomeric and conformational equilibria are discussed. Some novel classes of formazans synthesised over the past decade are presented. The results of structural studies of formazan complexes with various types of metal coordination are generalised. Examples of synthesis of formazan-containing polymers are given. Special emphasis is placed on analytical and practical applications of formazan derivatives.