Organometallic compounds are organic compounds incorporating carbon-metal bonds. Organometallic compounds have been known and studied for nearly 200 years, and their unique properties have been widely used in synthetic transformations. Depending on the reduction potential of the metal, the reactivity of organometallic compound can vary greatly. The most reactive compounds require low to moderate temperatures and inert conditions (atmosphere and solvents) for preparation and use and the highly reactive compounds can be pyrophoric.
Continuous flow chemistry is an excellent tool for undertaking reactions utilising organometallic reagents for many reasons; precise control of reaction temperature, time and mixing, low volume sealed system so easily maintained dry and inert, efficient to keep continuous reactors cool when compared with batch reactors, improved safety through lower inventory of hazardous materials and handling of pyrophoric reagents eliminated.
