The unique, lantern-type structure of 1 has two In centers in unusual
square-based pyramidal environments consisting of the four formamidina
te N atoms with a terminal chloride occupying the apical position. Two
routes for the formation of 1 and a stepwise pathway for the preparat
ion of the dimethyl analogue are presented. Without the possibility of
In-In interactions it would appear that steric features are the prima
ry cause for the formation of these compounds.