Synthesis and Structure of Bis- and Tris-Benzyl Bismuth Complexes

The first crystallographic characterization of bismuth complexes containing benzyl ligands is reported. The NCN pincer ligand complex, Ar′BiCl2 [Ar′ = 2,6-(Me2NCH2)2C6H3], reacts with (PhCH2)MgCl to form Ar′Bi(η1-CH2Ph)2 in high yield. X-ray crystallography and spectroscopic studies confirm η1-bonding of the benzyl ligands in Ar′Bi(η1-CH2Ph)2 as well as in the homoleptic Bi(η1-CH2Ph)3.