Recent advances in the coordination chemistry of cerium(IV) complexes

Despite widespread applications of tetravalent cerium compounds in organic synthesis and catalysis, the coordination and organometallic chemistry of cerium(IV) complexes has not been well explored, due, in part, to the high oxidizing power of Ce(IV). Using chelating O-donor supporting ligands, stable tetravalent cerium complexes bearing various ligand functionalities have been isolated, thus making it possible to investigate the reaction chemistry of cerium(IV) complexes systematically. This review summarizes the recent developments of the coordination chemistry of cerium(IV) complexes bearing O-, N-, and C-donor ligands. Special attention will be directed to cerium(IV) complexes supported by a tripodal oxygen ligand.