Dimeric complexes of lithium and sodium forming a tetrametallacyclobuta[1,2:1,4:2,3:3,4]tetracyclopentane structure

Abstract

The reaction of 2,5-bis{N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)iminomethyl}pyrrole (DIP₂-pyr)H with nBuLi and NaH resulted in the dimeric lithium and sodium compounds [(DIP₂-pyr)M]₂ (M = Li, Na). In the solid-state both compounds exhibit diamond-shaped M₂N₂ cores, in which the metal atoms are tetra-coordinated. The structures consist of four five membered rings forming a tetrametallacyclobuta[1,2:1,4:2,3:3,4]tetracyclopentane structure for each compound.