Syntheses and structures of the cubanes [PhOSb(µ3-NCy)]4 and [pyOBi(µ3-NCy)]4 (Cy = cyclohexyl, py = 2-pyridyl)

Abstract

The in situ reaction of the Sb(III) imido dimer [Me₂NSb(µ-NCy)]₂ with PhOH gives the tetrameric cubane [PhOSb(µ₃-NCy)]₄ (3). The analogous reaction of 2-pyOH (py = 2-pyridyl) gives the related Bi(III) cubane [pyOBi(µ₃-NCy)]₄ (4). The latter, which is a rare example of a structurally characterised Bi(III) imido compound, exhibits unusual molecular association of the tetrameric units in the solid state and fluxional behaviour in solution.