Complications in metathesis reactions involving Grignard reagents: Effect of solvent on products obtained from the interaction of PhMgBr with GaCl3 or InBr3

The important role of supporting solvent in transmetallation reactions involving Grignard reagents is highlighted in the formation and crystallisation of the Group 13 ‘ate’ species, [Mg3Br3Cl2(Et2O)6][GaPh2Br2] (1), [Mg3Br5(Et2O)6][InPh2Br2] (2), [MgBr(THF)5][GaPh3Br] (3), [MgBr(THF)5][InPh3Br] (4), [Mg(THF)6][GaPh2Br2]2 (5) obtained by reaction of PhMgBr with gallium and indium halides. The compounds have been characterised by 1H NMR, elemental analyses, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction.