Synthesis and Reactivity of Exceptionally Bulky Ligand Stabilised Alkaline Earth Metal Complexes

This thesis pertains to the synthesis and stabilisation of low-oxidation state alkaline earth element complexes through the utilisation of exceptionally bulky ligands. As such, it is an exploration of the reactivities of these compounds and has resulted in the isolation of a number of unprecedented compounds including reductive activation of dinitrogen, and reduction of ethylene and dihydrogen.