Main Group Chemistry Lab

Hydrogen-methane blends are gaining attention as transitional fuels, but their safe storage and controlled release remain a challenge. Advancing this approach necessitates the development of compounds and materials capable of solid-state storage of mixed fuel gases. Molecular precursors capable of delivering both gases from a single source are not known. In this context, we report a low–molecular weight magnesium hydridomethylzincate, Mg[(CH3)ZnH3], a crystalline, hydride-rich organometallic compound that does not rely on bulky supporting ligands. Under solvent-free, anaerobic conditions, it releases hydrogen and methane at temperatures as low as 80°C via reductive elimination, leaving behind elemental magnesium and zinc. The ability to liberate mixed fuel gases at relatively low temperatures underscores the potential of well-defined organometallic compounds as single-source precursors for these gases.