Bis(methylcyclopentadienyl)magnesium
Synonym: Bis(methyl-n5-cyclopentadienyl)magnesium, Magnesocene,1,1′-dimethyl-, (MeCp)2Mg
CAS Number 40672-08-0 | EC Number 635-143-3
Bis(methylcyclopentadienyl)magnesium, also known as (MeCp)₂Mg or Bis(methyl-η⁵-cyclopentadienyl)magnesium, is an organomagnesium compound with the molecular formula C₁₂H₁₄Mg and a molecular weight of 182.55 g/mol. The compound features magnesium in a +2 oxidation state, coordinated with two methyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl ligands in a stable sandwich structure typical of metallocenes. It appears as a white crystalline solid with a purity of 99% and is highly sensitive to air, necessitating storage in an inert environment.
Applications in Organic and Inorganic Synthesis
(MeCp)₂Mg is widely used in organometallic chemistry, particularly for synthesizing advanced materials and polymers. Its dual methylcyclopentadienyl ligands provide stability and facilitate controlled polymerization reactions, making it suitable for magnesium-centered synthesis in high-performance materials. The compound is also useful in metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), where its reactivity and stability support magnesium layer deposition in semiconductor technology.
Precautions for Safe Storage and Handling
Due to its pyrophoric and water-reactive nature, (MeCp)₂Mg has hazard classifications H228-1, H250, H261-2, H314, H318, and H335, indicating flammability and potential for severe irritation. Handling requires a dry, inert environment, with storage in airtight containers under gases like nitrogen or argon. Standard safety gear, including gloves and goggles, is recommended.
Industrial and Laboratory Applications
In industrial and lab settings, Bis(methylcyclopentadienyl)magnesium is crucial for developing magnesium-based organometallic reagents. It is often used for producing lightweight alloys and specialized catalytic systems. Its role in MOCVD processes makes it especially valuable in semiconductor manufacturing, where it enables precise magnesium film deposition. The compound’s unique structural and reactive properties make it essential in material science and high-performance industrial applications.
Bis(methylcyclopentadienyl)magnesium has been used as a precursor for investigating the incorporation of Mg in metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) GaN. Two different Mg precursors have been used: bis-methylcyclopentadienyl magnesium [(MeCp)2Mg] and Solution bis-cyclopentadienyl magnesium [Solution Cp2Mg]. SIMS analysis reveals an increased (twofold) efficiency of Mg incorporation for Solution Cp2Mg as compared to (MeCp)2Mg. This product also has been used as one of the components in the combination of precursors for the growth of ZnSe, ZnSSe, and ZnMgSSe. See links below
Ereztech manufactures and sells this product in small and bulk volumes. Glass ampules, bottles or metal ampules or bubblers are available for packaging. For additional analytical information or details about purchasing MG2080 contact us at sales@ereztech.com
Safety information
| UN | 3393 |
| Hazardous class | 4.2 (4.3) |
| Packing group | I |
| Pictograms |    |
| Signal word | DANGER |
| Hazard statements | H228-H250-H261-H314-H318-H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P210-P222-P223-P231 + P232-P240-P241-P260-P264-P271-P280-P301 + P330 + P331-P303 + P361 + P353-P304 + P340-P305 + P351 + P338-P310-P334 + P335-P363-P370 + P378 |
| Transport description | Organometallic substance, solid, pyrophoric, water-reactive (Bis(methylcyclopentadienyl)magnesium) |
| In TSCA registry | Yes |
First Aid Measures
| General advice | Consult a physician. Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance. Move out of the dangerous area. |
| Eye contact | Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician. |
| Skin contact | Wash off with soap and plenty of water. Consult a physician. |
| Inhalation | If breathed in, move person into the fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. Consult a physician. |
| If swallowed | Do NOT induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water. Consult a physician. |
Certificates of Analysis (CoA)
If you don’t see the needed lot of Bis(methylcyclopentadienyl)magnesium below please contact customer support at sales@ereztech.com
Lot# 029/178 Lot# 031/369 Lot# 602-001/034
External identifiers for (MeCp)2Mg
| Pubchem CID | 21946148 |
| IUPAC Name | magnesium;2-methylcyclopenta-1,3-diene |
| SMILES | C[C-]1[CH-][CH-][CH-][CH-]1.C[C-]1C=CC=C1.[Mg+2] |
| InchI Identifier | InChI=1S/2C6H7.Mg/c2*1-6-4-2-3-5-6;/h2*2-5H,1H3;/q-5;-1;+2 |
| InchI Key | NKQDXDNJHVCZGV-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
Known applications and external links
With Bis(methylcyclopentadienyl)magnesium other customers often ask:
- Bis(ethylcyclopentadienyl)magnesium
- Bis(cyclopentadienyl)magnesium
- Bis(isopropylcyclopentadienyl)magnesium
- Magnesium bromide, anhydrous
Ereztech synthesizes and sells additional MG-compounds.
To purchase MG2080 contact us at sales@ereztech.com
