Activation of small molecules by polytopic main-group lewis acids

While some articles reviewed the coordination and activation of small molecules promoted by monotopic (or monodentate) main-group Lewis acids (LAs), to date no review of this type of chemistry employing polytopic LAs exist. This short but comprehensive review covers the stoichiometric and catalytic activation of H 2 , carbon oxides (CO 2 and CO), small nitrogenous molecules (NH 3 , N 2 H 4 , N 2 ), H 2 O, and O 2 by molecules carrying multiple (mainly two) Lewis acidic sites. • the chemistry of polytopic Lewis acids has been historically linked to anion recognition. • their reactivity is far less explored than monotopic main group Lewis acids. • their use for small molecule activation becomes increasingly important.