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

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 = C6H3Pr(i)2-2,6, are reported. These complexes, in which the metal centre is chelated by the amidinate ligand in an N,eta3-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}].