Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Microfluidic Preparation of Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Actuators
Published on: May 20, 2018
A Crystalline In(II) Hydride
Olympia Mouriki1, Graham J Tizzard2, Simon J Coles2
1Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, Shepherds Bush, London W12 0BZ, U.K.
Abstract:
Low oxidation state hydride species of heavier main-group elements are notoriously elusive due to their intrinsic instability and rapid decomposition, generating hydrogen. Nevertheless, they offer significant potential for small-molecule activation and catalysis. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of the first stable, crystalline, low oxidation state indium hydride, supported by bis(N-heterocyclic carbene)borate ligands and featuring a covalent In-In bond. This compound has been comprehensively characterized by NMR spectroscopy, FT-IR, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and computational calculations. Experimental and theoretical studies reveal key features that underpin its exceptional stability. Preliminary reactivity investigations demonstrate that this discrete In(II) hydride acts as a nucleophile, opening new avenues for bond activation involving hydrides derived from the heaviest p-block elements.
Related Concept Videos
Polymer Classification: Crystallinity
Crystalline domains are the regions where polymer chains are aligned in an orderly manner and held together in proximity by intermolecular forces. For example, chains in the crystalline domains of polyethylene and nylon are bound together by van der Waals...
Esters to Alcohols: Hydride Reductions
Lithium aluminum hydride is a source of hydride ions and functions as a nucleophile. The mechanism proceeds in three steps. Firstly, the nucleophilic hydride ion attacks the carbonyl carbon of the ester to form a tetrahedral intermediate. Subsequently, the carbonyl group re-forms,...
Carboxylic Acids to Primary Alcohols: Hydride Reduction
Radical Substitution: Hydrogenolysis of Alkyl Halides with Tributyltin Hydride
The bonds formed in this reaction are stronger than the bonds broken, making it energetically favorable. The reaction follows a radical chain mechanism similar to radical halogenation reactions,...
Alkali Metals
Table 1: Properties of the alkali metals
Structures of Solids

