Structural and bonding characteristics in transition metal-silane complexes

Transition metal-silane complexes containing metal-eta 2-H-Si coordination display different structural and bonding characteristics in comparison to other sigma-complexes, such as dihydrogen and alkane (agostic) complexes. The different characteristics can be related to the strong sigma*-accepting properties of the eta 2-silane ligand(s) because of the weaker H-Si sigma bond. Various examples of metal-silane complexes have been reviewed and their structural stabilities have been systematically discussed. Silyl-hydride complexes having substantial silyl-hydrido interactions have also been emphasized.