The coordination chemistry of o,o′-i-Pr₂C₆H₃-bis(imino)acenaphthene to group 13 trihalides

The preparation of several complexes of the diimine ligand o,o′-i-Pr₂C₆H₃-bis(imino)acenaphthene (Ar-BIAN) (1)) with group 13 trihalides (EX₃, E = B, Al, Ga: X = Cl, Br) is reported. Four compounds with the general formula [(Ar-BIAN)(EX₂)][EX₄] (2) have been prepared and isolated. Two complexes have been crystallographically character)ized: [(Ar-BIAN)(BCl₂)][BCl₄] (orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁, a = 10.408(3) Å, b = 14.376(4) Å, c = 30.908(8) Å, Z = 4) and [(Ar-BIAN)(GaCl₂)][GaCl₄] (monoclinic, P2₁/m, a = 9.0822(7) Å, b = 15.390(1) Å, c = 15.458(1) Å, β = 92.519(2)°, Z = 2). Attempts to prepare diazametaloles via reduction of the [(Ar-BIAN)(EX₂)][EX₄] compounds using sodium or potassium have thus far been unsuccessful.