Compounds with organometallic alkoxo-indium cages

The reaction of InMe3 with PhCH2OH (molar ratio 1: 2) at 20 degreesC in tol uene gives the tetranuclear complex [In{(PhCH2O)(2)InMe2)(3)] (2) in good y ield. A further reaction under reflux conditions was not observed. However, at 160 degreesC in PhCH2OH a reaction could be realized, which forms an O- centred corner-cutted rhombic dodecahedron, [(MeIn)(5)(OCH2Ph)(8)(O)] (3), under evolution of methane. This In-O skeleton can be degraded with element al cesium to a hexa- and heteronuclear complex [Cs(Cs(THF))([MeIn(OCH2Ph)(2 )](4)O}] (4). 2-4 were characterized by IR, RE, NMR and MS techniques as we ll as by X-ray analyses. According to them 2 can be described as In 3, ion, coordinated by three metalate units [Me2In(OCH2Ph)(2)](-). 3 loses one MeI n fragment during the transfer of two electrons. Two Cs+ ions complete the new rhombic dodecahedron, at which different coordination spheres were obse rved. One Cs+ ion possesses additional contacts to a THF ligand and four pi -electron systems from four phenyl rings, while the THF ligand is missing in the environment of the second alkali cation.