Organometallic Radical Processes

Odd electron organotransition metal complexes, once viewed as isolated exceptions to the 18-electron rule, are now recognized as a subset of compounds with unique reactivities. The identification of organometallic radicals as intermediates in the reaction mechanisms of even electron systems makes them increasingly important to the nonradical chemist as well. This volume focuses on the generation, spectroscopic properties, structures, and reaction mechanisms exhibited by 17- and 19-electron organometallic complexes. The topics discussed center on transition metal complexes, although analogies to the chemistry of main group radicals are illustrated where appropriate. It is hoped that this volume will provide an overview of progress in the field for the research specialist, as well as for the advanced graduate student. Some measure of the rapid growth of interest in the reactions and properties of organometallic radicals can be judged from the references cited. These predominantly cover the literature since 1978, the year that the influential book "Organometallic Mechanisms and Catalysis" by J. K. Kochi appeared and emphasized the importance of radical processes to the solution chemistry of organometallic complexes.