Synthesis and Structure of the First Lanthanide Complex with the Bridging, Antiaromatic 2,2′-Bipyridine Dianion: [{Yb(μ2-N2C10H8)(thf)2}3]

The two-electron reduction of 2,2′-bipyridine with naphthaleneytterbium resulted in the formation of the ytterbium complex [{Yb(μ2-bipy)(thf)2}3] (see picture) in which antiaromatic 2,2′-bipyridine dianions bridge the ytterbium atoms in a novel μ2-η2:η4 fashion.