Four-membered group 13 metal(I) N-heterocyclic carbene analogues: synthesis, characterization, and theoretical studies.

The synthesis, spectroscopic and structural characterization of the monomeric, four-membered group 13 metal(I) heterocycles ([:M{eta2-N,N'-(Ar)NC(NCy2)N(Ar)}], M = Ga or In, Ar = C6H3Pri2-2,6) and an isomeric thallium complex are reported. Theoretical studies on these complexes, which are analogues of four-membered N-heterocyclic carbenes, suggest they should act as good sigma-donor ligands.