Question

Which of the following is an organometallic compound?

• A. Lithium acetate
• B. Methyl lithium
• C. Lithium dimethyl amide
• D. Lithium methoxide

Hint:

Organometallic compound = metal directly bonded to carbon. Examples: \(CH_3Li\), \(C_2H_5MgBr\) (Grignard reagent), \(Ni(CO)_4\). Metal bonded to O, N, or halogen is not organometallic.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine which of the given compounds is an organometallic compound, let us first understand what an organometallic compound is:

• An organometallic compound contains at least one bond between a carbon atom of an organic compound and a metal, including alkali, alkaline earth, and transition metals.

Now, let's analyze each option:

1. Lithium acetate (CH₃COOLi): This compound is an ionic compound with a metal (Li) and an acetate ion (CH₃COO^-). The carbon in the acetate is not directly bonded to the metal; thus, it is not considered an organometallic compound.
2. Methyl lithium (CH₃Li): This is a compound where there is a direct bond between the carbon of a methyl group (CH₃) and lithium (Li). This is a classic example of an organometallic compound, as it contains a carbon-metal bond.
3. Lithium dimethyl amide ((CH₃)₂NLi): This compound features a bond between nitrogen and lithium, not directly between carbon and lithium. Therefore, it is not considered organometallic based strictly on the definition.
4. Lithium methoxide (CH₃OLi): This compound consists of a methoxide ion bonded to lithium. The bond here is between oxygen and lithium, and the carbon is not directly bonded to the metal.

Conclusion: Among the given options, Methyl lithium (CH₃Li) is the organometallic compound because it contains a direct carbon-metal bond. Other compounds either do not have a direct carbon-metal bond or consist of a metal bonded to a heteroatom like oxygen or nitrogen, classifying them outside of classic organometallics.