| Abstract: | We showed that imidoyl- and phosphaethenyl(alkali metals) would thermodynamically prefer the Z-configuration. The bond model analysis of the electronic structures showed that the Z-preference should originate from 1,2-metallobridging by the delocalization of lone pairs on N or P to vacant p-orbitals of the alkali metals and from the antiperiplanar effect of the delocalization from σ C—M to σ? N(P)—R 2 and from n N(P) to the C—R1. The Z-preference increases by more electron-withdrawing groups at the carbon atom of the double bond. However, substitution at the nitrogen/phosphorus results in E-preference because of 1,4-chelation of the lone pair of the substituents to alkali metals. Most of halogen derivatives were not stable and eliminate metal halides. |
