Structure, Stability, and Catalytic Activity of Fluorine-Bridged Complexes IPr·GaCl2(μ-F)EFn–1 (EFn– = SbF6–, PF6–, or BF4–)

Fluorine-bridged NHC–gallium­(III) complexes of the type IPr·GaCl2(μ-F)­EFn–1 [IPr = 1,3-bis­(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)­imidazol-2-ylidene, and EFn = SbF6 or BF4] have been synthesized and characterized in solution and in the solid state. The [BF4]− adduct readily decomposes into gallium fluorides of the type [IPr·GaClmF3–m] (m = 0, 1, or 2) with release of gaseous BF3. These results corroborate the trend observed in IPr·GaCl3/AgEFn-catalyzed reactions in which a strong anion effect exists.