Reactions of 1,2-catechol with tBu3M (MÂ =Â Ga, In). Structures of intermediate products

Trinuclear compounds [tBu5M3(OC6H4O)2] [ (1), M = In (2)] were synthesised by the reaction of C6H4(OH)2 with tBu3M. The structure of intermediate products [tBu4In2(OC6H4OH)2 · 2Et2O] (3), [tBu3In2(OC6H4O)(OC6H4OH)] (4), [tBu3Ga2(OC6H4O)(OC6H4OH)] (5) and [tBu3Ga2(OC6H4O)(OC6H4OH)] (6) were determined. According to the structures of 3-6 a reaction pathway of 1,2-catechols with group 13 metal trialkyls was proposed.