Notes. Synthesis and characterization of benzylindium compounds

Abstract

A series of organoindium compounds which incorporate the benzyl ligand, In (CH₂Ph)_xCl_3–x(x= 1–3), has been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, molecular weight data, n.m.r., i.r., and mass spectroscopy, and Lewis acid-base studies. The parent compound In(CH₂Ph)₃ was prepared from In Cl₃ and 3 equivalents of MgBr(CH₂Ph) in diethyl ether solution. It is a crystalline solid which exists as a monomeric three-co-ordinate species in solution and in the vapour phase. Benzylindium chloride compounds were prepared from In (CH₂Ph)₃ by means of exchange reactions with In CI₃, or elimination reactions with NHMe₃Cl. The compounds [In(CH₂Ph)₂Cl]₂ and [In(CH₂Ph)Cl₂]_x are crystalline solids, and presumably have chloride-bridged structures. The benzylindium compounds are compared to their methyl analogues.