Hexasupersilyloctaindane (tBu3Si)6In8— A Compound with a Novel In8 Cluster Framework

A doubly capped In ₆ octahedron characterizes the structure of the dark green octaindane (tBu₃Si)₆In₈ (see picture), which is obtained from (C₅Me₅)In and tBu₃SiNa in pentane at −78°C. In1/In1′ are the capping atoms, and In2/In2′ form the apexes of the stretched In₆ octahedron. Thus, in agreement with the results of ab initio calculations, the compound can be classified as a hypoprecloso-indane.