The inversion of ligand fields has interesting implications on the nature of reactivity of organometallic complexes. This sigma non-innocence of ligands arising from inverted ligand fields could therefore be used to tune reactivity of complexes and open space in understanding the mechanisms of existing reactions.
In an analysis of the [ZnF] , it was found that due to ligand field inversion displayed in this species, core ionization removes an electron from the metal-rich bonding t orbital, lengthening the Zn-F bonds. This is contrary to the classical ligand field where ionization would remove an electron from the antibonding t orbital shortening the Zn-F bonds.
The presence of electron-deficient ligands also result in an inverted ligand field. Calculations have shown that the large O 2p contribution into the LUMO/LUMO in [(LCu)(O)] should make the complex highly oxidizing as it contains electron deficient O ligands. Studies have corroborated this property as this complex has shown to be able to undergo C-H and C-F activation and aromatic hydroxylation.
There is evidence showing that reductive elimination on species displaying ligand field inversion do not undergo a redox event at the metal center. The C-CF bond formation by "Ni(IV)" complexes was completed without redox participation of the Nickel. The metal appears to remain Ni(II) throughout the reaction. The mechanism is thought to be through the attack of a masked electrophilic cation by anionic CF. The electron deficiency here is due to the inverted ligand field.