Squeezing Bi: PNP and P2N3 pincer complexes of bismuth

Abstract

We report the first application of a rigid P₂N₃ pincer ligand in p-block chemistry by preparing its bismuth complex. We also report the first example of bismuth complexes featuring a flexible PNP pincer ligand, which shows phase-dependent structural dynamics. Highly electrophilic, albeit thermally unstable, Bi(III) complexes of the PNP ligand were also prepared.