Tetraalkyllead, Tetraaryllead

The present volume on organolead compounds deals with about 130 compounds of the type PbR4 (R = CH3, C2H5) in which the lead atom is surrounded by four identical ligands, including symmetrical spiro compounds. Also four perfluorinated compounds are known. The first two volumes of the series exclusively describe Pb(CH3)4 and Pb(C2H5)4. Like the methyl and ethyl derivatives, PbR4 compounds with R = C3H7 and C4H9 have been extensively tested for their possible use as antiknock agents in combustion engines; sporadically, other PbR4 compounds have also been studied for this purpose. The emphasis is on Pb(C6H5)4, a key compound in organolead chemistry. About 40 pages deal with the chemical behaviour of this species. It often serves as a C6H5 source for the formation of other aryl compounds of main group elements and transition metals. It is the one PbR4-type compound which itself can serve as a ligand in transition metal chemistry. This comprehensive compilation also identifies gaps compared to the chemistry of other group 14 compounds; this could stimulate further studies. For instance, lead compounds with cyclopentadienyl ligands are missing as well as numerous species with bulkier R groups which are known with the lower homologues Sn or Ge. A formula index completes the volume.