A 2,2′-bipyridine coordination complex of [ICl2]+

Abstract

The formation of a new class of I(III) compound is reported; an N,N′ chelated iodine cation ([bpy-ICl₂]⁺; bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine). The complex is obtained as an [ICl₄]⁻ salt and is formed via simple reaction of bpy with ICl₃. The compound is relatively unstable, but may be stored as a solid and is shown to be competent in the oxidative chlorination of Au(I)-NHC complexes.