The preparation of several complexes of the diimine ligand o,o'-i-Pr2C6H3-bis(imino)acenaphthene (Ar-BIAN (1)) with group 13 trihalides (EX3, E = B, Al, Ga; X = Cl, Br) is reported. Four compounds with the general formula [(Ar-BIAN)(EX2)][EX4] (2) have been prepared and isolated. Two complexes have been crystallographically characterized: [(Ar-BIAN)(BCl2)][BCl4] (orthorhombic, P212121, a = 10.408(3) Å, b = 14.376(4) Å, c = 30.908(8) Å, Z = 4) and [(Ar-BIAN)(GaCl2)][GaCl4] (monoclinic, P21/m, a = 9.0822(7) Å, b = 15.390(1) Å, c = 15.458(1) Å, β = 92.519(2)°, Z = 2). Attempts to prepare diazametaloles via reduction of the [(Ar-BIAN)(EX2)][EX4] compounds using sodium or potassium have thus far been unsuccessful.Key words: boron, aluminium, gallium, complex, crystal structure, heterocycle.