Synthetic and Structural Studies on Organotransition Metal‐Gallium Complexes

The transition metal‐gallium complexes [Ga(MLn)3] [where MLn=Fe(CO)2(η‐C5H5), Mo(CO)3(η‐C5H5), Co(CO)3(PPh3), and Mn(CO)5] have been synthesised by salt elimination between GaCl3 and MI(MLn) (MI=Na/K). The iron complex [Ga{Fe(CO)2(η‐C5H5)}3] (1) has been characterised by X‐ray crystallography and shown to contain a planar, three‐coordinate gallium centre bound to three Fe(CO)2(η‐C5H5) fragments by unsupported Ga–Fe bonds [av. 2.444(1) Å]. A partial structure determination of [Ga{Mo(CO)3(η‐C5H5)}3] (5) is consistent with a trigonal‐planar GaMo3 core. Brief mention is also made of two chloro complexes [GaCl(MLn)2] [MLn=Fe(CO)2(η‐C5‐H5) and Co(CO)3(PPh3)].