Synthesis and structural characterization of dizincocenes Zn2(η5-C5Me5)2 and Zn2(η5-C5Me4Et)2

The synthesis and structural characterization of the dimetallocenes Zn-2(eta(5)-C5Me5)(2) and Zn-2(eta(5)-C5Me4Et)(2) are reviewed together with unsuccessful attempts to obtain analogous complexes containing other cyclopentadienyl ligands. The possibility of preparing related dimetallocenes structures for the late-transition elements is also examined and an overview of known metal-metal bonded molecular compounds of the group 12 elements is given. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.