title: Synthesis, structural characterization, and theoretical studies of complexes of magnesium and calcium with gallium heterocycles.
abstract: The magnesium- and calcium-gallium heterocycle complexes [Mg{Ga[(ArNCH)2]}2(THF)3] and [Ca{Ga[(ArNCR)2]}2(THF)4], R = H or Me, Ar = C6H3Pr(i)2-2,6, have been prepared via the reduction of [I2Ga{(ArNCR)2}] with the group 2 metal in tetrahydrofuran. The mechanisms of the reactions have been elucidated, and the crystal structures of the complexes exhibit the first structurally authenticated Ga-Mg and Ga-Ca bonds in molecular species. Theoretical studies suggest that the heterocycle-group 2 metal interactions have significant ionic character.
authors.affiliation: Center for Fundamental and Applied Main Group Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Main Building, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK. jonesca6@cardiff.ac.uk
authors.forename: Cameron
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: David P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Mills
authors.forename: Jamie A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Platts
authors.forename: Richard P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Rose