Synthesis and structure of novel bridged dinuclear indium complexes

The unique, lantern-type structure of 1 has two In centers in unusual square-based pyramidal environments consisting of the four formamidinate N atoms with a terminal chloride occupying the apical position. Two routes for the formation of 1 and a stepwise pathway for the preparation of the dimethyl analogue are presented. Without the possibility of In-In interactions it would appear that steric features are the primary cause for the formation of these compounds.