Multiple bonds with group 13 elements : synthesis and reactivity

This thesis describes the synthesis and reactivity of a number of group 13 compounds, including the synthesis of those containing heteroatomic double bonds. An overview of fundamental main-group and group 13 chemistry is presented in Chapter 1, including the synthesis and reactivity of main group multiple bonds and low valent species. Chapter 2 examines the effect of altering the phosphine ligand on gallium compounds supported by amidophosphine ligands, including gallium(III) dihydrides, gallylene-iron complexes and digallenes. Chapter 3 includes the development of a new synthetic route (group 13 metathesis) for the synthesis of phosphagallenes and phosphaalumenes, in addition the electronic structure of the multiple bonds was explored computationally. Chapter 4 explores the reactivity of phosphaalumenes with small molecules, including CO2, CO and compounds with E−H bonds. Chapter 5 discusses the synthesis and reactivity of group 13-carbon multiple bonds and discusses the aim of synthesising alumenes (Al=C) and gallenes (Ga=C) using the group 13 metathesis synthetic route. Chapter 6 outlines the summary and outlook of this thesis and Chapter 7 details the experimental methods used for this thesis.