Structure, Stability, and Catalytic Activity of Fluorine-Bridged Complexes IPr·GaCl2(μ-F)EFn–1 (EFn– = SbF6–, PF6–, or BF4–)

Fluorine-bridged NHC–gallium(III) complexes of the type IPr·GaCl 2 (μ-F)EF n –1 [IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene, and EF n = SbF 6 or BF 4 ] have been synthesized and characterized in solution and in the solid state. The [BF 4 ] − adduct readily decomposes into gallium fluorides of the type [IPr·GaCl m F 3– m ] ( m = 0, 1, or 2) with release of gaseous BF 3 . These results corroborate the trend observed in IPr·GaCl 3 /AgEF n -catalyzed reactions in which a strong anion effect exists.