Phenylberyllium hydride–trimethylamine: some observations on alkylberyllium hydrides

Abstract

Phenylberyllium hydride–trimethylamine, prepared from diphenylberyllium, beryllium chloride, sodium triethylborohydride, and trimethylamine, is a dimer [(Me₃N)PhBeH]₂ in benzene. The analogous trimethylphosphine complex dissociates in benzene solution.

The trimethylamine complex of methylberyllium hydride may be prepared from dimethylberyllium and triethylstannane in the presence of ether; alkyl–alkyl exchange does not take place. The reaction between ether-free diethylberyllium and triethylstannane results in the precipitation of hydride-rich material, in which tin compounds are held, containing Be–H: Be–Et in ratio up to ca. 7 : 1. Hydrogen is also formed in this reaction.

Reaction between ethylberyllium hydride–trimethylamine and diethylmercury gives Et₂BeNMe₃, mercury, and ethane.