Isolation and Reactivity of a Stannabismuthene

Area of Science:

• Organometallic Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Multiple-bonded compounds with heavy group 14 elements and bismuth are challenging to isolate.
• Heavier analogs of imines involving these elements have not been previously reported as stable entities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the successful isolation and characterization of a stable stannabismuthene.
• To investigate the coordination chemistry and bonding of this novel compound with silver.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis via one-pot reduction of bismuth(III) bromide and a carboranyl distannene using potassium graphite (KC8).
• Kinetic stabilization using a bulky terphenyl substituent.
• Characterization using spectroscopic analysis, X-ray diffraction, and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations.

Main Results:

• Isolation of a stable stannabismuthene (Sn═Bi double bond) stabilized by a bulky terphenyl group.
• Formation of a π-complex between the stannabismuthene and silver(I) bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (AgNTf2).
• DFT calculations confirmed significant π-donation and backdonation interactions, consistent with the Dewar-Chatt-Duncanson model.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully isolated and characterized a novel stannabismuthene, a significant advancement in heavy element chemistry.
• The stannabismuthene exhibits unique π-donor properties, forming a stable π-complex with silver.
• The findings provide new insights into the bonding characteristics of heavy element multiple bonds.