Tetranuclear planar metal clusters with two capping ligands

Background information and current research activity dealing with tetrametal planar clusters containing two capping ligands is briefly reviewed. The synthetic methods leading to these clusters and their chemical properties are presented. The structure and bonding in lo some representative examples is discussed. Their application as models of heterogeneous catalysts, homogeneous catalysts, and precursors to materials is highlighted. Such information can have important implications in the design of a more sophisticated tetranuclear cluster systems for improved process applications.