Preparation and structures of two mixed-ligand 4-methylpyridine indium bromide complexes

We describe the structures of two indium complexes obtained during the attempted syntheses of solid-state materials precursors. The geometries of mer-InBr3(pic)3 1 and [In(μ-OH)Br2(pic)2·2pic]2 2 (pic = 4-methylpyridine) are distorted octahedra about the metal atoms. Two molecules which differ mainly with respect to the relative orientation of the γ-picoline planes are present in the asymmetric unit of 1, and a trans influence is observed for the ligands. Two indium atoms and two hydroxyl groups form a four atom ring in 2, with the four bromine atoms not coplanar. A two-fold rotational symmetry axis is present with the two indium atoms occupying special positions. A trans influence is also observed. Two nonequivalent γ-picolines not coordinated to the metals are present, one of which forms a hydrogen bond to the hydroxyl group while the other exhibits no strong intermolecular associations.