Synthesis and Characterization of Cationic Low-Valent Gallium Complexes of Cryptand[2.2.2]

Abstract

The synthesis and characterization of two bimetallic, cationic low-valent gallium-cryptand[2.2.2] complexes is reported. The reaction of cryptand[2.2.2] with Ga 2 Cl 4 gave two different cations, [Ga 3 Cl 4 (crypt-222)] + (1) or [Ga 2 Cl 2 (crypt-222)] 2+ (2), depending on whether or not trimethylsilyl triflate (Me 3 SiOTf) was added as a co-reagent. Complexes 1 and 2 are the first examples of bimetallic cryptand[2.2.2] complexes, as well as the first low-valent gallium-cryptand[2.2.2] complexes. Computational methods were used to evaluate the bonding in the gallium cores.