THE FUTURE OF MAIN GROUP CHEMISTRY

Abstract

After a brief reflection on the important discoveries in main group chemistry during the past century, this article provides some suggestions concerning areas in which studies of s- and p-block element compounds are likely to have a major impact on the discipline of chemistry and upon society in general in the context of significant advances that have been made in the last decade. These areas range from fundamental to applied aspects of the subject. In the former category, novel aspects of chemical bonding and new reagents for synthetic applications are considered. From a more practical perspective alternative energy sources (especially hydrogen storage), new materials (notably nanomaterials and chemical sensors), catalysis (in the context of green chemistry), and medicinal chemistry (both diagnostic and therapeutic applications) are discussed.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank NSERC (Canada) for continuing financial support.