The insertion of chalcogen atoms into the In-In bond of tetrakis[bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl]diindane(4): Monomeric compounds with In-S-In, In-Se-In, and In-Te-In groups

The insertion of chalcogen atoms into the indium-indium bond of tetrakis[bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl]diindane(4) (1) by the reaction of 1 with the chalcogen atom donors propylene sulphide, triethyl phosphonium selenide or telluride yields homoleptic compounds with up to now unknown R(2)In-S-InR(2) (2), R(2)In-Se-InR(2) (3), and R(2)In-Te-InR(2) (4) groups. All products are monomeric, both in solution and in the solid state, as shown by the cryoscopically determined molar masses and crystal structure determinations, The indium-chalcogen-indium bridges are bent and exhibit angles of 112.4(1) and 116.8(2)degrees (2), 109.96(3)degrees (3), and 105.42(2)degrees (4).