Carbones: Nonclassical Carbon Compounds

Abstract Carbones, a class of nonclassical carbon(0) compounds, challenge the conventional tetravalency of carbon by stabilizing a divalent carbon center with two lone pairs of electrons. This article provides an overview of the chemistry of carbones, covering their electronic structure, synthesis, coordination chemistry, and reactivity. Theoretical and experimental studies have revealed the distinctive bonding properties of carbones, where strong σ‐ and π‐donor characteristics enable them to stabilize transition metals, main group elements, and reactive intermediates. Advances in synthesis have expanded the scope of carbones, leading to the development of novel ligands with tunable electronic properties. Their coordination chemistry has demonstrated promising applications in catalysis and small molecule activation. Carbone–metal complexes show enhanced catalytic performance by modulating electron density, while carbone–ligand interactions enable the stabilization and activation of the main group species. Recent developments have also highlighted the role of carbones as organocatalysts and single‐carbon atom transfer reagents. This article explores these fundamental aspects, emphasizing the expanding significance of carbones in modern chemistry.