Ga–C and Ga–Ga bond formation using a NON-ligated gallyl nucleophile

An improved synthesis of the potassium gallyl dimer [K{Ga(NON)}]2 is reported which avoids problems associated with over-reduction of the metal centre. Studies of the reactivity of this gallium nucleophile towards carbon and metal-centred electrophiles enable comparison with related aluminyl compounds: [K{Ga(NON)}]2 is less prone to the formation of ‘ate’ complexes but features a more labile group 13 metal centre within the NON ligand scaffold.