In this project ("Structures and Reactions of New Main-Group Organometallic Compounds") funded by the Organic Dynamics Program of the Chemistry Division, Professor Herman G. Richey in the Chemistry Department at Pennsylvania State University will investigate the structures and reactions of new organometallic species of main-group elements. The study will also involve preparation of new organometallics and generating a new species of more reactive organomagnesium compounds. This project will be concerned with the preparation and study of species formed from organomagnesium compounds by additions of crown ethers or simple salts, such as alkali metal alkoxides and tetraalkylammonium halides. These new species, which include coordinated organomagnesium cations, threaded organomagnesium-crown ethers, and various organomagnesiate anions, are considerably more reactive than conventional organomagnesium compounds, and with some substrates afford different products. The scope and mechanisms of their reactions with ketones and other reactions will be studied. Similar investigations of organozincate anions formed from organozinc compounds and salts will also be performed.
