Precious transition metals (TMs) have long dominated catalysis due to their redox flexibility. However, there is significant potential in designing compounds from the chemically abundant pblock elements to interact with industrially relevant molecules in a 'TM-like' fashion, presenting an exciting fundamental chemical challenge with considerable environmental benefits. In this seminar, I will explore the isolation and application of acyclic aluminyl compounds [R2Al:]- , which, unlike the typically electrophilic R3Al Lewis acids, can act as aluminum-based nucleophiles. I will delve into their role in small molecule activation, including benzene, CO, and the carbonylation of ethylene. Additionally, I will discuss the potential of main group molecular oxides for reductive CO2 derivatization. Specifically, I will present the isolation and reactivity of the germanium analogue of acylium ion, known as the germa-acylium ion [R-Ge=O]+ , and its TMO-like behavior in reversible CO2 activation and conversion to value-added products.