Diphenylberyllium Reinvestigated: Structure,Properties, and Reactivity of BePh2, [(12-crown-4)BePh]+, and [BePh3]−

The first synthesis of BePh₂ was accomplished almost a century ago. However, its structure has remained unknown so far, while the corresponding aryls of the elements adjacent to beryllium in the periodic table are well investigated. Herein, we present an improved synthesis for diphenylberyllium and show by X-ray diffraction that it forms a trinuclear complex in the solid state. NMR spectroscopy revealed that this structure is also retained in solution but exhibits dynamic behavior. Its stability against heat and coordinating solvents is discussed and the possible obstacles to the synthesis of BePh₂ from BeCl₂ are examined. In the process of this study two ether adducts, BePh₂⋅Et₂O and Be₂Ph₄⋅Et₂O, have been characterized as well as the previously unknown triphenylberyllate anion. From the latter several single-crystal structures were obtained under various conditions, in which BePh₃]⁻ is either isolated or acts as a ligand for Li⁺. Furthermore, the crown ether induced selfionization of BePh₂ is described and the resulting (12-crown-4)BePh]⁺ cation was isolated, which shows an unusual 4+1 coordination around the Be atom.