Synthesis and structure of a heterotrimetallic (Li/Er/In), heptacyclic metallasiloxane cage compound

The unusual heterotrimetallic (Li/Er/In), heptacyclic metallasiloxane cage compound [{(Ph2SiO)2O}3{Li(THF)2}{InMe}]Er has been prepared in 98% yield by reaction of the erbium bis(disiloxanediolate) derivative [{(Ph2SiO)2O}2{Li(THF)2}2]ErCl with trimethylindium, InMe3. The product was structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.