Some alkoxy- and alkylthio-derivatives of methylcadmium

Abstract

The products of reaction between dimethylcadmium and several alcohols, giving (MeCdOR)_n, are similar to those derived from dimethylzinc in being tetrameric in benzene solution. The dimeric t-butoxide (MeCdOBu^t)₂ is exceptional. The sparingly soluble methoxide is isomorphous with crystalline (MeZnOMe)₄ and is therefore also a tetramer in the solid state. Unlike the alkoxides, the phenoxide yields a pyridine adduct. Some thiols give insoluble methylcadmium derivatives, but 2-methylpropane-2-thiol gives (MeCdSBu^t)₄, and propane-2-thiol gives (MeCdSPrⁱ)₆. Infrared absorptions due to the methylcadmium group in ten compounds are reported.