Organoberyllium chemistry

Organoberyllium chemistry involves the synthesis and properties of organometallic compounds featuring the group 2 alkaline earth metal beryllium (Be).

[2] The area remains less developed relative to the chemistry of other main-group elements, because Be compounds are toxic and few applications have been found.

[6] This contrast is attributed to the small size of Be relative to its heavier congener Mg: Be is one of the smallest atoms on the periodic table.

[11][12][13] It is prepared from BeCl2 and potassium cyclopentadienide: Many mixed ligand complexes are simply formed by addition of Lewis bases to diaryl and dialkylberyllium compounds.

[21][22][23] Unambiguous low-oxidation state organo-beryllium complexes with Be–Be bonds have been synthesized by the group of Simon Aldridge.