Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds: The Chemistry of Metals Bonded to Organic Ligands

Organometallic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that explores the interaction between metal atoms and organic ligands, particularly focusing on compounds containing direct metal–carbon bonds. These unique molecules sit at the intersection of inorganic and organic chemistry, offering insights into both fundamental bonding theories and real-world applications. The development of organometallic chemistry has transformed modern science, giving rise to innovative materials, advanced catalysts, and a deeper understanding of metal-mediated processes.

The historical journey of organometallic compounds began in the early 19th century with the discovery of simple metal–alkyl and metal–aryl compounds. Pioneering work by chemists such as Ludwig Mond, who synthesized nickel carbonyl, and later Ernst Fischer and Geoffrey Wilkinson, who studied metallocenes, laid the groundwork for a structured understanding of these fascinating molecules. Their research was so impactful that it earned Fischer and Wilkinson the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1973, emphasizing the significance of organometallic chemistry in modern science.

Organometallic compounds are typically classified based on the nature of their metal–carbon bonding and the types of ligands involved. Some involve σ-bonds between the metal and a carbon atom, such as in metal alkyls or aryls, while others include π-interactions as seen in metal-olefin or metal-arene complexes. This diversity in bonding modes is part of what makes organometallic chemistry so versatile and complex.

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Release date

Audiobook: 16 April 2025