Synthesis, characterization, and decomposition of the first mononuclear eight-coordinate indium(III) benzoate, In(.eta.2-O2CC6H5)3(4-Mepy)2

The synthesis and full characterization of the first eight-coordinate mononuclear indium (III) benzoate complex, In(eta2-O2CC6H5)3(4-Mepy)2, from the reaction of indium metal with benzoyl peroxide in 4-methylpyridine at 25 C are reported. The preparation of this compound is important in the development of indium (III) carboxylate chemistry, since the occurrence of eight-coordinate mononuclear indium (III) carboxylates is rare. Details of the preparation procedure and results of X-ray crystallography are presented. (AIAA)