Cadmium: Organometallic ChemistryBased in part on the article Cadmium: Organometallic Chemistry by Gerard Parkin which appeared in the Encyclopedia of Inorganic Chemistry, First Edition .

Abstract

As a large, soft, heavy element, the chemistry of cadmium is marked by relatively weak bonding to carbon and other more electronegative atoms. Organocadmium compounds thus demonstrate diverse reaction chemistry. Furthermore, the large size and low valency of cadmium leads to interesting aggregated compounds. The reactivity and structural importance of organocadmium compounds and applications in solid‐state chemistry is offset by their high toxicity.