Among the following which is not the $\pi$-bonded organometallic compound :
A
$K[PtCl_3(\eta^2-C_2H_4)]$
B
$Fe(\eta^5-C_5H_5)_2$
C
$Cr(\eta^6-C_6H_6)_2$
D
$(CH_3)_4Sn$
The answer is D.
Solution
In $\pi$-bonded organometallic compounds, the metal is bonded to the $\pi$ electrons of an unsaturated organic molecule. The symbol $\eta^n$ (hapticity) shows how many carbon atoms are bonded to the metal. $K[PtCl_3(\eta^2-C_2H_4)]$ (Zeise's salt): Pt is bonded to both carbons of ethylene through its $\pi$ electrons; $\pi$-bonded. $Fe(\eta^5-C_5H_5)_2$ (ferrocene): Fe is sandwiched between two cyclopentadienyl rings, using their $\pi$ electrons; $\pi$-bonded. $Cr(\eta^6-C_6H_6)_2$ (dibenzene chromium): Cr is sandwiched between two benzene rings; $\pi$-bonded. $(CH_3)_4Sn$ (tetramethyltin): each methyl group is attached to Sn by an ordinary Sn–C $\sigma$ bond; it is a $\sigma$-bonded organometallic compound. So $(CH_3)_4Sn$ is not a $\pi$-bonded organometallic compound.
ConceptSigma versus pi bonded organometallics
Organometallic Compounds in past papers
2 questions from this chapter have appeared across 2 exam years.