Preparation of [Et2InSb(SiMe3)2]3; a trimeric single-source precursor to indium antimonide

The 1:1 mole ratio reaction of Et2InCl with Sb(SiMe3)3 results in the formation of [Et2InSb(SiMe3)2]3 (1), a trimeric compound containing a six-membered indium–antimony ring. An X-ray crystal structure has been obtained for the compound substantiating the trimeric nature of 1 in the solid state, however variable-temperature 1H-NMR studies show a dimer/trimer equilibrium for this species in solution. Preliminary thermolysis studies demonstrate its utility in the formation of nanocrystalline InSb.