Dibromoindium(III) cations as a π-Lewis acid: characterization of [IPr•InBr2][SbF6] and its catalytic activity towards alkynes and alkenes

IPr center dot InBr2][SbF6] (2) (IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) has been synthesized and characterized in the solid state. This complex proved to be a very active catalyst for hydroarylations, transfer hydrogenations, and cycloisomerizations.