Isolation and Characterization of an Organobismuth Dihydride

Abstract

We report the synthesis, isolation, and structural characterization of an elusive organobismuth(III) dihydride (Ar*–Bi(III)–H2, 1). The complex features a bulky and rigidtBu-MsFluind ligand that permits complete spectroscopic characterization and SC-XRD. The compound is thermally unstable and decomposes to quantitatively form H2and Ar*–Bi(I) in a chemoselective intramolecular process. In addition to H2formation, the presence of a Bi–H bond is supported by comparative spectroscopy (NMR and IR) with its deuterated analogue 1-d2.