Group 12 and heavier Group 13 alkali metal 'ate complexes

Heterobimetallic complexes in which a Group I metal centre counteracts the negative charge placed on a Group 12 or higher Group 13 metal have been kno wn for some years. Their usefulness in chemical transformations is discusse d in the context of the regiospecificity with which they effect reaction an d the manner in which it differs to that resulting from the use of homometa llic alkali metal reagents. Their structural properties are reported both i n solution and in the solid state. Theoretical studies are presented where appropriate. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.