The Trimetallic Structural Motif in Group 13 Chemistry

Abstract

Abstract In the context of this Comment, a trimetallic complex will be defined as one in which three group 13 metals are contained in one complex by either one or two multidentate ligands. This motif has been observed sporadically in the literature throughout the years. Up until the present work, however, this unique structural arrangement has not been the focus of a systematic study. This Comment will comprise a discussion of such complexes, focusing on those employing the Salan class of ligands. Members of the Salan class of tetradentate (-N2O2) ligand, N,N′-bis(o-hydroxybenzyl)-1,2-diaminoethane (SaleanH4), N,N′-bis(o-hydroxybenzyl)-1,3-diaminopropane (SalpanH4), N,N′-bis(o-hydroxybenzyl)-1,2-diaminobenzene (SalophanH4), N,N′-bis(o-hydroxybenzyl)-1,2-diamino(4,5-dimethyl)benzene (SalomphanH4), form unique, monomeric trimetallic complexes when combined with three equivalents of MR3 (where M = Al, Ga; R = Me, Et, iBu). The aluminum complexes form cis ligand complexes with Salpan, Salophan and Salomphan a...