Synthesis, characterisation and theoretical studies of amidinato-indium(i) and thallium(i) complexes: isomers of neutral group 13 metal(i) carbene analogues

Abstract

The synthesis and characterisation of the monomeric amidinato-indium(I) and thallium(I) complexes, [M(Piso)]·PisoH, M = In or Tl, Piso⁻ = [ArNC(Bu^t)NAr]⁻, Ar = C₆H₃Prⁱ₂-2,6, are reported. These complexes, in which the metal centre is chelated by the amidinate ligand in an N,η³-arene-fashion, can be considered as isomers of four-membered group 13 metal(I) carbene analogues. Theoretical studies have compared the relative energies of both isomeric forms of a model complex, [In{PhNC(H)NPh}].