Dimeric piperidino-alane and -gallane: metal hydrides with a cyclic M(μ-N)2M core (M = Al or Ga)

Abstract

The crystal structures of piperidino-alane and -gallane at 150 K have each been shown to consist of dimeric molecules [CH₂(CH₂)₄NMH₂]₂ centred on a planar, nearly square M(μ-N)₂M core (M = Al or Ga). The molecular structures thus contrast with the hydrogen-bridged units favoured by the sterically encumbered piperidino derivatives {[CMe₂(CH₂)₃CMe₂N]AlH₂}₃ and {[CMe₂(CH₂)₃CMe₂N]₂AlH}₂ and are also compared with those of other amido derivatives of the Group 13 hydrides.