The [Ga₂(C₅Me₅)]⁺ ion: Bipyramidal double-cone structure and weakly coordinated, monovalent Ga ⁺

(Figure Presented) Partial protolysis of GaCp* with [H-(OEt ₂)₂]⁺[BAr^F]^- afforded the Ga^I compound [Ga₂Cp*]⁺[BAr ^F]^- (see structure). Experimental and computational studies confirm the mainly ionic structure of the cation, in which the Ga ⁺ ions are only weakly covalently stabilized by a bridging Cp* ligand. Initial experiments point to the interesting synthetic potential of this compound as a source for Ga⁺ in solution.