Mg(I) dimers have the potential to be reducing agents that can be utilized in organic and organometallic synthesis. The thermal stability, moderate air and water sensitivity, and wide range of solubility in organic solvents may make the dimer attractive to chemists. An example of this can be shown through low oxidation state germanium (Ge) chemistry. Using Mg(I) dimers led to a Ge double bond. It can also be noted that the product had low yield. Additionally, the ligand, Nacnac has poor solubility in the reaction solvent of ether. This allows for easy separation too.
Additionally, hydrogen storage has been gained significant research attention as an alternative to fossil fuels.
Ammonia borane, NHBH, has a high H-content, at 19.6%, concerning hydrogen storage material. However, there are issues regarding the safety, kinetics, and practical characteristics of the compound. Alternatively, more s-block amidoboranes have been researched as an alternative, with some interest lying in magnesium amidoborane. Some studies have shown that using reductive dehydrogenation of ammonia borane can be achieved using Mg(I) dimers.