ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY IN THE SOLID-STATE

Synthesis and reactivity studies in organometallic chemistry have trad itionally been carried out in the solution (non-aqueous) phase while e quivalent studies in the solid state has been little explored. This re view attempts to summarise what is known about solid state organometal lic chemistry with particular emphasis on the synthetic utility of thi s area of chemistry. The review focuses on the two types of reactions that constitute this area of chemistry. These are (i) reactions at a s urface I molecule interface and (ii) reactions between molecules (iden tical, different) in amorphous or crystalline materials. As will be se en, numerous solid state reactions that give close to 100% yields and complete conversion between isomers are known. In some instances yield s exceed those available by solution routes. Reactions can also give p roducts different to those found in solution. Developments in the rela ted fields of solid state synthetic organic and coordination chemistry (topotactic principle, recaction cavity, phase reconstruction) will b e described and the connection between surface supported synthesis and heterogeneous catalysis will be mentioned. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.