Synthesis of a new stable, neutral organothulium(ii) complex by reduction of a thulium(iii) precursor

The new stable, neutral Tm(II) complex (Cp(ttt))2Tm [Cp(ttt) = 1,2,4-tris(tert-butyl)cyclopentadienyl] can be obtained either by direct reaction of NaCp(ttt) with TmI2 or by reduction of (Cp(ttt))2TmI in non-polar solvents; this latter route may prove itself useful for the isolation of other neutral non-classical low-valent organolanthanide species.