Synthesis and structural characterization of dizincocenes Zn2(η5-C5Me5)2 and Zn2(η5-C5Me4Et)2

The synthesis and structural characterization of the dimetallocenes Zn2(η5-C5Me5)2 and Zn2(η5-C5Me4Et)2 are reviewed together with unsuccessful attempts to obtain analogous complexes containing other cyclopentadienyl ligands. The possibility of preparing related dimetallocenes structures for the late-transition elements is also examined and an overview of known metal–metal bonded molecular compounds of the group 12 elements is given.