Bimetallic Activation of SF6 by a Bis(Gallylene).

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 SF6 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.