Abstract

Ca-Cσ-bonds containing organocalcium compounds are prepared from different synthetic methods. Several difficulties and challenges are encountered before, during and at the end of the reaction. Organocalcium derivatives are insoluble in common organic solvents and show degrading properties. Ethers are the solvents of choice and THF gave the best results. The products are generally ethereal six-coordinated calcium centers (L4CaRX), with a Ca-C bond length of around 250 pm, depending on many factors. Arylcalcium derivatives are the easiest to prepare and are more stable than the other organocalcium compounds because of the conjugation effect phenomena. Ethereal solvents have a slight influence on the Schlenk-equilibrium type between RCaX or CaR2 and CaX2 . Almost all types of the main classes of σ-bond containing organocalcium derivatives are synthesized. Calcium carbon double bond was never formed. X-ray analysis is the best technique for the characterization of crystallizable organocalcium compounds. The 43Ca NMR does not provide interesting information about the structures. The 13C and 1H NMR data constitute an interesting tool that contributes the elucidation of the structure of the organocalcium compounds, especially for the non-crystalized compounds. Reactivity, chemical behaviour and 13C NMR chemical shift values of organocalcium complexes exhibit more similarities to the organolithium rather than the organomagnesium derivatives and were explained on the basis of their comparable electronegativity values.