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Home > News & Articles > Organometallic Compounds: Definition, Structure, Examples, Properties, Types, Uses, Stability & Reactivity, Application
Updated on 24th July, 2023 , 8 min read
Organometallic compounds are chemical compounds characterized by a covalent metal-carbon linkage, where the carbon is part of an organic molecule. These compounds are not limited to traditional metals; metalloid elements like tin, silicon, and boron also form organometallic compounds, which find extensive use in various industrial chemical reactions. Some examples of organometallic compounds include tetracarbonyl nickel, Grignard reagent, and dimethyl magnesium. The branch of chemistry dedicated to the study of these substances is known as Organometallic Chemistry.
Organometallic compounds are a fascinating class of chemical compounds that contain direct metal-carbon (M-C) bonds. They are chemical compounds that exhibit at least one chemical linkage between a carbon atom from an organic molecule and a metal atom. The metals involved can include alkali and transition metals, as well as metalloids. These compounds are also referred to as organyl compounds, and their names are typically prefixed with "organo."
The structure of organometallic compounds is characterized by the presence of metal atoms or metal clusters bonded to carbon atoms in organic ligands. These carbon atoms can be part of various organic moieties, such as alkyl, aryl, or even more complex functional groups. The nature of the metal-carbon bond can vary, with some compounds featuring ionic bonds, while others exhibit covalent bonds.
Metal carbonyl organometallic compounds adhere to the 18-electron rule, which proves highly effective in predicting their stability. However, some other types of organometallic compounds deviate from this rule and do not follow the 18-electron configuration. Let's explore the 18-electron rule in brief.
The 18-Electron Rule: In compounds, the central metal atom forms bonds by accepting electrons into its orbitals. It can accommodate electrons in its s, p, and d orbitals. Following the 18-electron rule, the central metal atom can hold a maximum of:
Hence, the total electron count becomes:
s(2) + p(6) + d(10) = 18 electrons
This is known as the 18-Electron Rule or the Effective Atomic Number (EAN).
The primary objective of the 18-electron rule is to achieve the nearest noble gas configuration for the central metal atom. By ensuring that the total number of d-electrons (i.e., the outermost electrons of transition elements) and the electrons contributed by ligands sum up to 18, the valence shell of the metal attains stability with 18 electrons.
These examples represent only a small fraction of the diverse and numerous organometallic compounds that exist in chemistry. Organometallic chemistry plays a significant role in various fields, including catalysis, organic synthesis, materials science, and pharmaceutical research.
Organometallic compounds display a diverse array of properties, making them versatile and intriguing subjects of study. Some key properties include:
The stability of organometallic compounds is influenced by several factors, including the nature of the metal, the type of ligands, and the coordination geometry. Transition metals are commonly used in organometallic complexes due to their variable oxidation states, facilitating redox reactions. Ligands can be classified as σ-donors, π-donors, and π-acceptors, affecting the overall stability and reactivity of the compound.
The stability and reactivity characteristics of organometallic compounds can be described as follows:
Organometallic compounds can be broadly classified into several categories based on their structural features and bonding characteristics:
Regarding the type of bond, organometallic compounds can be classified into the following three types:
The significance of organometallic compounds cannot be emphasized enough, as advancements in this field have led to the development of novel synthesis reagents and catalysts. Organometallic compounds find diverse applications, including:
Organometallic compounds find extensive applications in various fields, and some of their uses are highlighted below:
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By - Nikita Parmar 2023-08-25 09:48:44 , 11 min readOrganometallic compounds are chemical compounds containing at least one metal-carbon bond. They consist of organic ligands (containing carbon) coordinated to a metal atom.
Organometallic compounds can be prepared through various methods, such as the reaction of metal halides with organolithium or Grignard reagents, or by oxidative addition of metals to organic substrates.
Organometallic compounds play a crucial role in catalysis, organic synthesis, and materials science. They find applications in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and various industrial processes.
Some organometallic compounds can be toxic due to the presence of heavy metals. Proper handling and disposal measures are essential to avoid health and environmental hazards.
The 18-electron rule states that stable organometallic compounds often have 18 valence electrons around the metal center. This rule influences the stability and reactivity of these compounds.
Examples of organometallic catalysts include Wilkinson's catalyst (RhCl(PPh3)3) for hydrogenation and Ziegler-Natta catalysts for olefin polymerization.
Organometallic compounds can undergo oxidative addition or single-electron transfer reactions, enabling them to donate electrons and act as reducing agents.
Organometallic compounds are widely used as catalysts in industrial processes, particularly in the production of plastics, pharmaceuticals, and fine chemicals.
Sigma bonded compounds have a direct head-on overlap of orbitals, while pi bonded compounds have a side-to-side overlap of orbitals. Pi bonded compounds often involve π-electron delocalization.
Organometallic catalysis enables more efficient and selective reactions, reducing waste and energy consumption, thus contributing to greener and more sustainable chemical processes.
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