Introduction

Organometallics

Organometallic compounds are compounds containing a bond between a carbon atom and a metal. The carbon atom attached to the metal is electron rich due to the carbon atom being more electronegative than the metal. The magnitude of the partial charge (δ-) on the carbon atom is dependent on the identity of the metal.

According to the electronegativity trends shown above organomagnesium compounds (RMgX) are much stronger nucleophiles and bases compared to organocopper reagents (R₂CuLi) due to the greater difference in electronegativity. For instance, acid halides react with only one equivalent of an organocopper reagent resulting in a ketone. However, two equivalents of an organomagnesium (Grignard) reagent react with acid halides as shown below.