Aylin Nagel, M. S. Neubauer, David D. Miller, Phil Köhler, Ralf Tonner, Robert Kretschmer
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The degradation of the kinetically inert and potent greenhouse gas sulfur hexafluoride by a bimetallic main-group ambiphile (Lewis amphotere) is reported. Reaction of the bis(gallylene) 1 with SF 6 at 80 °C results in the selective formation of the bimetallic gallium(II) fluoride 2 . Irradiation with UV light or the addition of 4-dimethylaminopyridine (4-DMAP) accelerates the reaction, enabling it to proceed already at room temperature. Computations reveal a bimetallic activation scenario and shed light on the accelerating effect of 4-DMAP.