Syntheses and structures of heterobimetallic complexes derived from [Ga(edt)2] as a metalloligand (edt = SC2H4S): Potential precursors for ternary materials MGaS2 (M = Cu or Ag)

Metathesis reaction between equimolar amount of Et₄N]GaCl₄] and Na₂edt in methanol resulted in the formation of the dichloro complex Et₄N]Ga(edt)Cl₂] (1), whereas reaction of Et₄N]GaCl₄] with two equivalents of Na₂edt in methanol gave the complex Et₄N]Ga(edt)₂] (2) which can act as a metalloligand. Treatment of 2 with M(PPh₃)₂NO₃ in DMF/CH₂Cl₂ afforded the heterobimetallic complexes Ga(edt)₂M-(PPh₃)₂] (M = Cu 3, Ag 4) in moderate yields. The structures of 1-4 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Both Ga(edt)Cl₂]⁻ and Ga(edt)₂]⁻ anions have a distorted tetrahedral geometry. The former consists of one five-membered ring formed by chelating dithiolate and two terminal chloride atoms while the latter consists of two five-membered rings formed by two the chelating dithiolates. Complexes 3 and 4 consist of metalloligand Ga(edt)₂]⁻ anion chelated to M(PPh₃)₂]⁺via the sulfur atoms. Both tetrahedrally coordinated Ga and Cu(Ag) atoms are bridged by two sulfur atoms, forming a planar “GaS₂M” (M = Cu, Ag) core. Thermogravimetry analysis revealed that heterobimetallic complexes 3 and 4 decomposed to give the corresponding ternary metal sulfide materials.