Alkylthioberyllium alkyls and some beryllium selenium compounds

Abstract

Four tetramers (EtBeSR)₄, R = Et, Prⁱ, or·Bu^t, and (MeBeSBu^t)₄ have been prepared, the last being the only methylberyllium sulphide that could be obtained. The tetramers are believed to have structures based on a Be₄S₄ cube. The sulphur compounds generally have a higher tendency to disproportionate than their oxygen analogues, and vary greatly in their reactions with bases. Whereas (EtBeSEt)₄ and (EtBeSPrⁱ)₄ crystallise solvent-free from ether, the isopropylberyllium compound (PrⁱBeSEt,L)₂ could only be obtained in the form of complexes (e.g., L = Et₂O or py). Other complexes described include EtBeSBu^t,OC₄H₈, EtBeSBu^t py, EtBeSBu^t py₂, and EtBeSBu^t bipy, the last being orange coloured. The tetramer (EtBeSEt)₄ is formed from Et₂Be and Be(SEt)₂ or Et₂S₂. Beryllium di-t-butyl sulphide, unlike [Be(OBu^t)₂]₃, in insoluble in hydrocarbons but forms pyridine and bipyridyl complexes.

The selenium derivatives (MeBeSePhOEt₂)₂ and EtBeSeEt py₂ are described.