FACILE REACTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF [(ME3CCH2)(2)GANH2](2) AND OFGAN

Four reactions of neopentylgallium compounds with ammonia have been in vestigated The dihydronaphthalene derivative C10H8[Ga(CH2CMe3)(2)](2) . 2NaCL has been observed to react with anhydrous ammonia at low tempe rature (-78 degrees C) to form (Me3CCH2)(2)GaNH2, dihydronaphthalene ( C10H10), and NaCl, whereas the related elimination, reaction between G a(CH2CMe3)(3) and NH3 occurred at 140-150 degrees C. The new compound (Me3CCH2)(2)GaNH2 was also prepared by reacting Ga(CH2CMe3)2Cl with so dium in liquid ammonia at -70 degrees C. Bis(neopentyl)gallium amide w as fully characterized and exists as a dimer at room temperature in be nzene solution. Neopentylgallium(I) [Ga(CH2CMe3)](n), has been observe d also to react with NH3 at 460-480 degrees C to form GaN(s), CMe4 and H-2.