Synthesis and Characterization of Cationic Rhodium Complexes with Stable Silylenes

Two cationic rhodium(I)−tetrasilylene complexes, ( 4; BAr F = tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate) and ( 5 ), were prepared from [Rh(cod) 2 ]BAr F and 1,3-di- tert -butyl-2,3-dihydro-1 H -1,3,2-diazasilol-2-ylidene ( 1 ) or its saturated analogue 2, respectively (Figure 1). The two complexes were characterized by X-ray analysis and NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structures revealed a square-planar coordination geometry for both complexes. Only tetrakis(silylene) complexes were formed, even in the presence of less than 4 equiv of silylene.