N-heterocyclic germylenes and stannylenes: Synthesis, reactivity and catalytic application in a nutshell

Recent years have witnessed a tremendous growth in the area of heavier tetrelylenes, e.g., silylenes, germylenes and stannylenes. However, germylenes and stannylenes are quite different from their lighter congeners in terms of their electronic properties and orbital participation. Owing to their electronic differences these heavier tetrelylenes have unique bonding scenario which provides interesting reactivity patterns. Herein, we have summarized a detailed discussion on the synthesis, reactivity and catalytic application of the germylenes and stannylenes.