Assembly and stabilization of {E(cyclo-P3)2} (E = Sn, Pb) as a bridging ligand spanning two triaryloxyniobium units

Complexes (THF)0-2E[P3Nb(ODipp)3]2 (E = Sn, Pb; Dipp = 2,6-(i)Pr2C6H3) were isolated (>90%) from the salt metathesis of [Na(THF)3][P3Nb(ODipp)3] with E(2+) salts. The reaction of (THF)Sn[P3Nb(ODipp)3]2 with pyridine-N-oxide was investigated as a method to deposit a new SnP6 phase. Additionally, the neutral complex P3Nb(ODipp)2(py)2 (py = pyridine) was prepared from [Na(THF)3][P3Nb(ODipp)3] in the presence of pyridine and salts of coordinating cations (Mg(II), Sn(II), Pb(II), Ge(II), Hg(II) and Ag(I)). P3Nb(ODipp)2(py)2 was found to successfully produce AsP3 upon treatment with AsCl3. The characterization of complexes (THF)0-1Sn[P3Nb(ODipp)3]2, (THF)2Pb[P3Nb(ODipp)3]2 and P3Nb(ODipp)2(py)2, including their solid state structures, is discussed.