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Synthesis and Structure of Group 13 POCOP Complexes
Sanjukta Pahar1, Taylor Wilde1, Kushagra Agrawal1
1Cardiff Catalysis Institute, School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Translational Research Hub, Maindy Road, Cathays, Cardiff, Cymru/Wales CF24 4HQ, U.K.
Inorganic Chemistry
|April 3, 2026
Summary
This study details new coordination complexes using the resorcinol bis(diphenylphosphinite) (POCOP) ligand with aluminum, gallium, and indium. A unique four-coordinate gallium complex, resembling a frustrated Lewis pair, was discovered.
Area of Science:
- Organometallic Chemistry
- Coordination Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Pincer ligands, such as resorcinol bis(diphenylphosphinite) (POCOP), are versatile scaffolds in coordination chemistry.
- Group 13 elements (aluminum, gallium, indium) offer unique electronic properties for complex formation.
- Understanding the coordination behavior of Group 13 metals with POCOP ligands is crucial for developing novel materials and catalysts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize novel coordination complexes of POCOP with aluminum, gallium, and indium.
- To investigate the structural diversity and coordination geometries adopted by these Group 13 POCOP complexes.
- To explore the potential for intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) behavior in these systems.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of six new Group 13 POCOP complexes.
- Single-crystal X-ray diffraction for structural characterization.
- Spectroscopic analysis to confirm complex formation and purity.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis and full structural characterization of six new Group 13 POCOP complexes.
- Aluminum and indium complexes exhibit a five-coordinate "closed" geometry.
- Gallium complexes display both five-coordinate "closed" and a novel four-coordinate "open" geometry, analogous to an intramolecular FLP.
Conclusions:
- The POCOP ligand effectively coordinates to Group 13 metals, leading to diverse structural outcomes.
- The observed "open" four-coordinate gallium complex highlights potential for frustrated Lewis pair chemistry in Group 13 systems.
- These findings expand the scope of POCOP ligand chemistry and offer new avenues for Group 13 element research.
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