Organometallic chemistry belongs to the most rapidly developing area of
chemistry today. This is due to the fact that research dealing with the
structure of compounds and chemical bonding has been greatly intensified
in recent years. Additionally, organometallic compounds have been widely
utilized in catalysis, organic synthesis, electronics, etc. This book is
based on my lectures concerning basic organometallic chemistry for
fourth and fifth year chemistry students and on my lectures concerning
advanced organometallic chemistry and homogeneous catalysis for Ph.D.
graduate students. Many recent developments in the area of
organometallic chemistry as weIl as homogeneous catalysis are presented.
Essential research results dealing with a given class of organometallic
compounds are discussed briefly. Results of physicochemical research
methods of various organometallic compounds as weIl as their synthesis,
properties, structures, reactivities, and applications are discussed
more thoroughly. The selection of tabulated data is arbitrary because,
often, it has been impossible to avoid omissions. Nevertheless, these
data can be very helpful in understanding properties of organometaIlic
compounds and their reactivities. All physical data are given in SI
units; the interatomic distances are given in pm units in figures and
tables. I am indebted to Professor S. A. Duraj for translating and
editing this book. His remarks, discussions, and suggestions are greatly
appreciated. I also express gratitude to Virginia E. Duraj for editing
and proofreading.