Transmetalation of Pentafluorophenylmercury Derivatives with Organylmagnesium Bromides

Abstract

The reactions of pentafluorophenylmercury derivatives with organomagnesium compounds have been studied. The interaction of pentafluorophenylmercury chloride with RMgBr (R = Et, Ph) has afforded diphenyl- and diethylmercury or phenylmercury chloride, besides the expected product (C₆F₅HgR). The results have been explained by the transmetalation of C₆F₅HgR with the Grignard reagent, followed by the reaction of the resulting C₆F₅MgX (X = Br, C₆F₅) with pentafluorophenylmercury chloride. Transmetalation of (C₆F₅)₂Hg with organylmagnesium bromides has led to the formation of C₆F₅MgX and R₂Hg.