Reactivity and mechanism of manganese and related group 6, 7 and 8 metal complexes as models in homogeneous oxygen, nitrogen and ligand transfer reactions.

The aim of this investigation was to study model complexes containing strong p- ligands as potential nitrogen, oxygen and ligand transfer catalysts. Nitrido containing cyano complexes of group 6 to 8 metals were selected as potential nitrogen transfer catalysts. Solid state and solution studies, investigating different aspects of these systems, were performed. Finally, the knowledge on mechanistic studies were applied to selected examples of 1st generation Grubbs catalyst [Ru(=CR)(PX3)2Cl2] (=CR = carbene) to investigate olefin coordination and oxygen decomposition reactions (both involving strong p-interactions at the metal center thereof).Prof. A. Rood