d10 coinage metal-arene adducts: a structural landscape

Moving beyond their role as a simple structural feature in crystals, this review highlights M–π arene interactions in d 10 coinage metal complexes as a central design principle for engineering functionality in materials science and biology. These interactions underlie the assembly of supramolecular structures, luminescent materials, and sensitive molecular sensors. A key breakthrough in catalysis is the ability of M–arene complexes to undergo transmetalation, isomerization, and elimination, facilitating direct coordination of substrates to the metal. The strength and nature of M–π bonding have a direct correlation with the properties of resulting materials, providing a predictive basis for future molecular design. • Review has charted the evolution of d10 coinage metal complexes with π-aromatic systems. • Metal-π interactions are one of a fundamental design principle that dictates functionality in material science and biology. • These versatile forces form the basis for supramolecular structures, luminescent materials, and molecular sensors. • M-π interactions enable the transmetalation, isomerization, ligand elimination allowing substrate coordination for catalysis. • The strength and nature of M-π interactions determines material properties, providing a powerful tool for rational design.