Synthesis and characterization of the monomeric imides Ar'MNAr' ' (M = Ga or In; Ar' or Ar' ' = terphenyl ligands) with two-coordinate gallium and indium.

Reaction of Ar'MMAr' (M = Ga or In) with N3Ar' ' (Ar' = C6H3-2,6-Dipp2, Dipp = C6H3-2,6-Pri2, Ar' ' = C6H3-2,6(Xyl-4-But)2) afforded the first monomeric imides of heavier group 13 elements with two-coordinate metals. Planar, trans-bent structures with short M-N bond distances were observed, which are consistent with lone pair character at both M and N and a bond order less than the formally expected triple one.