Our group kinetically traps reactive intermediates from group transfer catalysis or small molecule activation processes. Using molecular design, we can use steric confinement or Lewis acid coordination to stabilize reactive radicaloid ligands. We examine the electronic structure of the transition metal-element multiple bonds using a variety of spectroscopic and theoretical means. The electronic structure of the ensuing complexes will be examined for efficacy in group transfer catalysis. As the nuclearity of the reaction site expands, we examine how oxidation state and ligand field effects influence small molecule activation and redox distribution throughout the cluster cores.