Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
The synthesis, characterization and decomposition of several indium thiolates containing the bulky substituted aryl ligand 2,4,6-i-Pr 3C6H2 (Ar′) or the internally chelating ligands 2-CH3O,5-CH3C6H3 (Ar″) and o-C6H4CH2N(CH3)2 (Ar"‘) are described. Two synthetic methods have been utilized: metathesis reactions between lithium thiolates and the appropriate metal halides and the addition of elemental metal to diaryl disulfides. The thermal decomposition of each indium precursor results in the formation of 1n2S3, based on thermogravimetric data. The homoleptic compound In(SAr′)3 can be isolated as a yellow oil. This liquid precursor has been derivatized by the reversible formation of acetonitrile and tetrahydrofuran adducts. Although, the molecule exists as a monomer in both adducts, the coordination number of the metal and he orientation of the ligands are markedly different. The internally chelating In(SAr″)3 and In(SAr.″′)3 adopt contrasting dimeric and monomeric structures respectively.