How reactive is Trimethylindium towards oxygen and water?

Trimethylindium is extremely reactive towards oxygen and water. With low concentrations of oxygen (ppb to ppm to a few %), it immediately forms dimethylindium methoxide (Me2InOMe) as the first reaction product by insertion of O between In and C. With increased concentrations of oxygen (several %, atmospheric air or pure oxygen), it burns or explodes. Similar insertion reactions are expected with other elements of Group 16 (such as S, Se and Te) with highly vigorous outburst at higher concentrations of S, Se and Te.

Trimethylindium reacts readily and vigorously with water to form Me2InOH and Methane (CH4) gas if the concentration of H2O is very small (upto 1000's ppm). With high concentrations of water (% level), trimethylindium can burn and often explode leaving behind In(OH)3, In2O3 as the final products. Extremely violent reactions of trimethylindium are also known with oxidizers (such as H2O2, KMnO4, HNO3, Bleach) and halogenated compounds (CCl4, CBrCl3, CBr2Cl2, CHCl3, C2Cl6 and halocarbon oils).

First answer by Ian-ehs 786. Last edit by Ian-ehs 786. Contributor trust: 17 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 18 [recommend question]