Abstract: Novel compositions are described which comprise halogenated organometallic lithium salt complexes having the formula LiMR.sub.n X.sub.i wherein M is a metal selected from the group consisting of Zn, Cd, B, Al, Ga, In, Tl, Sn (stannous), P and As, the Rs are specified haloorganic radicals, the Xs are selected from various halides, alkyls, aryls, alkaryls and aralkyls, and n and i are numerical values, the sum of which is equal to one plus the valence of the metal M, subject to the provisos that if n is zero, at least one X is an organic radical and that if i is zero, not all R radicals are perhalogenated aryl radicals. Also described are electrolyte compositions for electrochemical cells which contain electrolytically active lithium salt complexes including these novel compositions of matter.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells having alkali metal anodes, e.g. lithium batteries, are described which contain electrolytically active alkali metal salt complexes including haloorganometallic alkali metal salt complexes having the formula ZMR.sub.n X.sub.i wherein Z is an alkali metal, M is a metal selected from the group consisting of Zn, Cd, B, Al, Ga, In, Tl, Sn (stannous), P and As, the Rs are specified haloorganic radicals, the Xs are selected from various halides, alkyls, aryls, alkaryls, and aralkyls, and n and i are numerical values the sum of which is equal to one plus the valence of the metal M, subject to the proviso that if n is zero, at least one X is an organic radical. Rechargeable, high energy density electrochemical cells containing an anode having an alkali metal as its active material, a cathode having as its active material a transition metal chalcogenide, and an electrolyte composition of the above-described type, are also described.