Mathematically modelling metal–ligand bonding in late transition-metal complexes has been an important tool in catalyst development — although lacking for early transition metals such as Cr and Ti. Now, a simple method for measuring ligand donor properties promises to elevate high-valent early transition metal catalysis to the same level.
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Tonks, I. Measuring up with the early metals. Nature Chem 9, 834–836 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/nchem.2851
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nchem.2851