Agostic deformations based on electron delocalization in the alkyllithium-complex [{2-(Me3Si)2CLiC5H4N }2

Topological analysis of experimental and theoretical charge densities in the title complex [{2-(Me3Si)2CLiC5H4N }2] 1 reveals the nature of the agostic deformation postulated for this complex: delocalization of the Li–C bonding electrons over the entire agostic alkyl group controls the formation of an acute Li–C–Si angle and thus a sufficient electronic saturation of the electron deficient lithium atom via secondary interactions.