Transmetalation of Pentafluorophenylmercury Derivatives with Organylmagnesium Bromides

The reactions of pentafluorophenylmercury derivatives with organomagnesium compounds have been studied. The interaction of pentafluorophenylmercury chloride with RMgBr (R = Et, Ph) has afforded diphenyl- and diethylmercury or phenylmercury chloride, besides the expected product (C 6 F 5 HgR). The results have been explained by the transmetalation of C 6 F 5 HgR with the Grignard reagent, followed by the reaction of the resulting C 6 F 5 MgX (X = Br, C 6 F 5 ) with pentafluorophenylmercury chloride. Transmetalation of (C 6 F 5 ) 2 Hg with organylmagnesium bromides has led to the formation of C 6 F 5 MgX and R 2 Hg.