Organocadmium chemistry

In general, they are prepared by transmetalation or by an exchange reaction between an alkylating agent and a cadmium salt.

Following established trends, perfluorinated alkyl and alkenyl derivatives of cadmium exhibit improved thermal stability.

This reduced reactivity is demonstrated in the conversion of acyl chlorides to ketones with these reagents.

Dimethylcadmium has been used to synthesize colloidal nanocrystals of II-VI materials such as cadmium selenide.

Dimethylcadmium is toxic to the kidney, the liver, the central nervous system, and the respiratory organs when inhaled.