Therefore, the use of neutral precursors would be highly desirable, as demonstrated by the more favourable reactivity profile of the reduction of [Sr{N(SiMe3)2}2(dioxane)2]n. Despite the lack of success in isolating monovalent AE complexes, our theoretical modelling based on trigonal planar and square planar precursors provides a blueprint for further exploitation in synthetic chemistry. Nonetheless, more suitable ligand systems should be employed to implement this blueprint, which needs to possess a relatively innocent redox profile, paired with sufficient conformational rigidity and steric protection to enforce highly equatorial geometries.