Synthesis, properties, and X-ray structural study of Me2In(C5H5)

(T)he compound Me3In(C5H5) has been prepared by a metathetical reaction between Me2InCl and Li(C5H5) in THF solution and by a methane elimination reaction between InMe3 and C5H6 at 145-160 degrees C in a sealed tube and fully characterized. An X-ray structural study identified an infinite linear polymer with cyclopentadienide units bridging InMe2 moieties through the 1 and 3 positions of the ring. Bridging is sufficiently strong to prevent melting before thermal decomposition at 195-200 degrees C and to make the compound insoluble in all solvents except those that are good Lewis bases such as THF. The compound exists in THF solution as an equilibrium mixture of Me2In(C5H5).THF, MeIn(C5H5)(2). THF, and InMe3.THF according to its H-1 NMR spectrum.