Preparation and characterization of mixed alkyl amido complexes of gallium

A series of primary amido gallium alkyl complexes that includes a base free dimer, ^tBu₂Ga(μ-N(H)^tBu)]₂ (1), Lewis base stabilized monomeric complexes, ⁿBu₂Ga(N(H)^tBu)(THF) (2) and ⁿBu₂GaNH(2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)]py (3) and an anionic complex, ⁿBu₂GaNH(2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)]₂Li(Et₂O)] (4) is reported. Complex 1 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1 (a = 10.265(5) Å, B = 15.752(6) Å, C = 8.932(4) Å, = 90.32(3)°, β = 105.61(3)°, γ = 88.24(4)°) with two molecules, each residing on an inversion center, in the asymmetric unit. Structural analysis revealed a planar Ga₂N₂ core with both the bridging N and the Ga centers in distorted tetrahedral environments (Ga---C distances 2.052(3)-2.065(3) Å and Ga---N distances 2.060(3)-2.069(3) Å). The use of excess amido ligand allowed the isolation and crystallization of 4. Complex 4 crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21/n (a = 8.666(2) Å, B = 22.305(3) Å, C = 15.570(3) Å, β = 103.47(2)) with Z = 4. The pseudotetrahedral gallium center has a coordination sphere composed of two amido ligands (Ga---N1 = 2.011(8) Å, Ga---N2 = 2.006(7) Å), and two ⁿBu ligands (Ga---C17 = 2.002(9) Å Ga---C21 = 1.985(12) Å). A bridging interaction of the lithium cation with the lone pair of electrons on each of amido nitrogen atoms generates a molecular core which is made up of a planar Ga---N1---Li---N2 distorted square (N1---Gal---N2 94.4°, Gal---N2---Lil 86.2°, N1---Li1---N2 92.2°, Gal---N1---Li1 87.1°).