Synthesis and reactivity of a small distibacycle featuring an Au–Sb bimetallic linkage

Abstract

Although unsaturated heavy dipnicta-heterocycles have recently received increasing attention, their reactivity still remains underexplored. Herein, we describe a comprehensive experimental and theoretical investigation of a four-membered distibaheterocycle (2a), synthesised via insertion of AuCl into an Sb–Sb bond of an azadistibiridine. Subsequent thermal activation induces a stepwise dyotropic rearrangement, forming its constitutional isomer 2b.