Use of a smaller counterion results in an ‘inverse sandwich’ diindium cation

Abstract

Treatment of In(C 5Me 5) with [(toluene)H[[B(C 6F 5) 4] affords the salt [In(η 5-C 5Me 5)In][B(C 6F 5) 4]. X-ray analysis indicates that the cation possesses an inverse sandwich structure, one indium atom of which experiences a close contact with a meta-fluorine of a C 6F 5 group of a [B(C 6F 5) 4] − counterion. The other indium atom exhibits a weak η 6-interaction with a C 6F 5 group of a different [B(C 6F 5) 4] − anion.