Arene complexes of univalent gallium, indium, and thallium

[5] After that, a series of Ga(I)-arene complexes of different structures have been reported,[6] and these corroborative examples make the existence of benzene-metal interactions for p-block elements no doubt.

There have been a lot of efforts in trying to react indium subhalides with different kinds of hydrocarbons, but no reaction takes place.

However, it was found that In[InBr4] readily reacts with 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene to form {[(CH3)3C6H3]2In(InBr4)}, which features chain-like coordination polymers of [InBr4]−-linked bis(arene)indium moieties.

Recently, Krossing and coworkers reported a Ga(I) initiated hydrosilylation reaction, which opens up new windows for main group catalysis.

[10] Finally, the fast development in the industry of electrical conductors and semiconductors creates a huge demand for ultra-high purity metals among which gallium and Indium are two very important ones.