Alkali metal oxides trapped by diethylzinc†
Abstract
Reactions of alkali metal hydroxides with neat diethyl zinc lead to the formation of oxo-centered clusters M2O(ZnEt2)n (M = Na, n = 3 or M = K, Rb, n = 4). These molecules crystallize in highly symmetric space groups, forming extended structures supported by weak M–H interactions. We discuss the mechanistic implications and relationship of these structures to known (oxo)organozincates.