A number of organometallic cations that are at least moderately stable in aqueous solution are known, and among these are the following species: Group IVB, R + ; Group VIIIA, R 3 Pt + . Several of the methyl derivatives, R = CH 3 , can be produced by the action of methanogenic bacteria or by reaction of methylcobalamin with inorganic compounds of the appropriate metal, but data on methylation under environmental conditions are mainly limited to mercury(II). Most of the information available on the aqueous chemistry pertains to the methyl species since these have the highest solubility. Characteristically these ions are sigma-bonded carbanion complexes of the metal in its maximum oxidation state. In 1966, the aqueous chemistry of organometallic cations was reviewed (1), but interest in environmental effects of several of these species in recent years has stimulated a good deal of new work.Although the reactions of metal ions in biological systems are exceedingly complex, a knowledge of the hydrolysis constants and stability constants with a limited number of ligand types will permit a number of predictions about the ionic binding and transport. [In this discussion, unless otherwise indicated, hydrolysis will refer to proton transfer from a coordinated water molecule rather than M-C or M-X bond cleavage in the presence of water.] Thermodynamics will play a large part in governing the reactions of these organometallic species. Without exception, the methyl derivatives are highly labile to substitution at the metal center. In certain cases with bulky alkyl groups, reactions may proceed more slowly because of steric effects. Heterogeneous reactions, e.g. dissolution, are slower with large alkyl groups. Because of their hydrophobic nature, they restrict attack at the metal center. 0-8412-0461-6/78/47-082-130$05.00/0