organomettalic

Organometallic chemistry is the study of compounds that contain a direct bond between a metal and a carbon atom of an organic group. The standard term is organometallic; "organomettalic" is an alternative spelling that is typically considered a misspelling.

These compounds span a wide range of metals, including transition metals, main-group elements, and rare earths. The key feature is a metal–carbon bond, which can be highly polarized and reactive, enabling unique reactivities not seen in purely organic or inorganic compounds.

Common categories include organomagnesium (Grignard reagents), organolithium, organozinc and organopalladium, organosilicon, and metallocenes such as ferrocene. Many organometallics are covalent complexes where the carbon ligand is bound to the metal through sigma bonds; others involve metal–ligand multiple bonds or catalytic cycles.

Synthesis and reactivity: They are prepared by methods such as transmetallation, oxidative addition to low-valent metals, insertion reactions, and halogen–metal exchange. In synthesis, organometallics serve as nucleophiles or catalysts; they participate in cross-coupling (Suzuki, Negishi, Kumada) and hydrofunctionalization reactions, enabling C–C and C–heteroatom bond formation.

Applications and significance: Organometallic compounds underpin homogeneous catalysis, polymerization, fine chemical synthesis, and material science, including catalysts for hydrogenation, carbonylation, and cross-coupling reactions.

Safety and handling: Typically air- and moisture-sensitive; many are pyrophoric or reactive.