Role of siloxides in transition metal chemistry and homogeneous catalysis

The role of siloxide ligands in the chemistry and catalysis of transition metals is reviewed. The first part deals with recent aspects of low-valent transition metal siloxide chemistry, while the second part describes some developments in the chemistry of transition metal siloxides in high oxidation states, in particular with regard to the stability of the M-OSi bond. The third part highlights applications of well-defined late and early transition metal siloxides as "single site" catalysts in homogeneous catalysis. Special emphasis is placed on the steric and electronic influence of the siloxide ligand on the activity, selectivity, and stability of the catalytically active metal species.