Organometallic Radical Processes

Odd electron organotransition metal complexes, once viewed as isolated exceptions to the 18-electron rule, are now recognized as a subset of compounds with unique reactivities. The identification of organometallic radicals as intermediates in the reaction mechanisms of even electron systems makes them increasingly important to the non-radical chemist as well. This book focuses on the generation, spectroscopic properties, structures, and reaction mechanisms exhibited by 17- and 19-electron organometallic complexes. The topics discussed center on transition metal complexes, although analogies to the chemistry of main group radicals are illustrated when appropriate. The material has been organized into ten self-contained chapters so that the reader can learn selectively about a particular area of interest. Two chapters focus on the techniques of electrochemistry and ESR spectroscopy, which are particularly suited to the study of organometallic radicals. Another chapter provides an overview of geometrical structrures for stable radicals.