Insights into the formation of inorganic heterocycles via cyclocondensation of primary amines with group 15 and 16 halides.

Cyclocondensation is a major preparative route for the generation of inorganic heterocycles especially in the case of ring systems involving a Group 15 or 16 element linked to nitrogen. This Perspective will consider recent experimental and computational studies involving the reactions of primary amines (or their synthetic equivalents) with pnictogen and chalcogen halides. The major focus will be a discussion of the identity and role of acyclic intermediates in the reaction pathways to ring formation, as well as the nature of the heterocycles so formed. The similarities and differences between the chemistry of group 15 and 16 systems are emphasised with a view to providing signposts for further investigations.