Synthesis, properties, and X-ray structural study of Me2In(C5H5)

(T)he compound Me3In(C5H5) has been prepared by a metathetical reaction bet ween Me2InCl and Li(C5H5) in THF solution and by a methane elimination reac tion between InMe3 and C5H6 at 145-160 degrees C in a sealed tube and fully characterized. An X-ray structural study identified an infinite linear pol ymer with cyclopentadienide units bridging InMe2 moieties through the 1 and 3 positions of the ring. Bridging is sufficiently strong to prevent meltin g before thermal decomposition at 195-200 degrees C and to make the compoun d insoluble in all solvents except those that are good Lewis bases such as THF. The compound exists in THF solution as an equilibrium mixture of Me2In (C5H5).THF, MeIn(C5H5)(2). THF, and InMe3.THF according to its H-1 NMR spec trum.