Synthesis of cluster alkyl and aryl Grignard reagents in solution

Cluster alkyl Grignard reagents, alkyltetramagnesium chlorides, have been obtained by exchange reaction between phenyltetramagnesium fluoride and organic halides in excess halide solution at room temperature. Transmetalation between PhCl, PhBr, and phenyltetramagnesium fluoride with the formation of PhMg4X (X = Cl, Br) has been shown to occur.