Molecular Phosphates, Phosphonates, Phosphinates, and Arsonates of the Group 13 Elements

Acids of phosphorus and arsenic form cyclic and cage compounds upon reaction with group 13 element alkyls. The molecular products obtained not only have a structural relationship to secondary building units in phosphate and arsenate materials, but these molecular species may act as models of and precursors to the solid state materials. The synthesis, characterization, reactivity and potential applications of these compounds are reviewed.