Organocadmium Research Articles

Organocadmium compounds of the Ar2Cd, RCdR', and ArCdAr' classes

1. A method was developed for the synthesis of aromatic and heterocyclic organocadmium compounds of the Ar2Cd class via organomagnesium compounds. 2. Previously unknown unsymmetrical organocadmium compounds of the RCdR' and ArCdAr' classes were prepared.

Synthesis of cholesteol analogs with modified side-chains

A number of sterols with modified side-chains have been prepared for tests of their biological availability to insects. The fundamental methods used were the reaction of the chloride of 3β-acetoxy-androst-5-ene-17β-carboxylic acid (I) with appropriate organo-cadmium compounds and the condensation of 3β-acetoxypregn-4-en-20-one (IV) with alkylmagnesium bromides.

New aspects of organocadmium chemistry. Part I. True reactivity of organocadmium compounds

General reinterpretation of organocadmium chemistry is proposed, based on the observation that genuine organocadmium compounds are much less reactive than the generally used in situ reagents. The latter owe their reactivity to the presence of magnesium salts, formed as by-products during their preparation. The desirability of the study of the presently unknown chemistry of genuine organocadmium compounds is indicated.

New aspects of organocadmium chemistry. Part II. Selective activation of organocadmium reactions: synthesis of 1,2-diketones and α-oxo-esters

Whereas magnesium salts activate the reactions of organocadmium compounds with both acyl chlorides and carbonyl compounds, lithium bromide is more selective, activating only the former. This has made possible the first organometallic synthesis of α-oxo-esters and of 1,2-diketones.

True Reactivity of the Organocadmium Compounds

WHILE studying the chemistry of the organocadmium compounds, evidence was found making necessary a revision of accepted views regarding their reactivity and indicating that a ‘salt effect’ plays a critically important part as a catalyst in their reactions. Organocadmium compounds are generally considered to be very reactive with acid chlorides, but practically inert towards aldehydes and ketones1, thus making possible the important ‘Organocadmium synthesis’ of ketones1,2.

Investigation of an Abnormal Organocadmium Reaction1

Investigation of an Abnormal Organocadmium Reaction¹