First examples of odd-electron σ bonds for aluminium and gallium
Two new complexes with unusual two-centre/one-electron σ bonds are added to the group 13 family
Researchers have reported two copper complexes supported by aluminium or gallium metalloligands, featuring two-centre/one-electron σ bonds. The unusual complexes were synthesised by reducing the preceding cationic copper(I)⇢metal(III) species and are the first examples of odd-electron σ bonds for the heavier group 13 elements.