Molekül- und Kristallstruktur des Dimeren Magnesium-bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amids]

Molecular and Crystal Structure of the dimeric Magnesium bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)-amide] The magnesium bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amide] crystallizes as a dimeric molecule in the space group C2/c with {a = 1821.0(4); b = 1494.4(4); c = 1859.6(6) pm; β = 121.10(2)°; Z = 4 dimers}. The cyclic planar Mg₂N₂ moiety shows endocyclic NMgN angles of 95.8°. The bond lengths within this ring system to the four-coordinate, bridging nitrogen atoms N^b are 215 pm, whereas the distances between the magnesium atom and the terminal, three-coordinate nitrogen atom N^t display values of approximately 198 pm. These different coordination numbers of the nitrogen atoms affect the NSi bond length (N^tSi 171, N^bSi 177 pm).     

Über die Synthese von Tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl-kalium, -rubidium und -caesium und die Molekülstrukturen zweier Toluolsolvate

About the Synthesis of Tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl Potassium, Rubidium and Cesium and the Molecular Structures of two Toluene Solvates . Solventfree tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl potassium ( 1 ), rubidium ( 2 ) and cesium ( 3 ) are obtained by the reaction of the zink group bis[tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl] derivatives with the appropriate alkali metal in n-pentane. Addition of benzene or toluene to the colourless powders yields deeply coloured solutions. From these solutions single crystals of tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl rubidium—toluene (2/1) ( 2 a ) and tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl cesium—toluene (2/3) ( 3 a ) suitable for X-ray structure analysis are iso- lated [ 2a : orthorhombic; P2₁2₁2₁; a = 1 382.1(3); b = 1 491.7(5); c = 2 106.3(6) pm; Z = 4 (dimers); 3a : orthorhombic; P2₁2₁2₁; a = 2 131.0(6); b = 2 833.1(2); c = 925.2(2) pm; Z = 4 (dimers)]. The central structure moieties are folded four-membered Rb₂Si₂ and Cs₂Si₂ rings, respectively. Small Si? Si? Si angles (100 to 104°) on the one hand and extreme highfield ²⁹Si-NMR shifts of the central silicon atoms on the other hand indicate a strong charge transfer from the alkali metal atoms to the tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl fragments, i.e. mainly ionic interactions between alkalimetal and silicon atoms.     

Tris[bis(trimethysilyl)amido]zinkate von Lithium und Calcium

Tris[bis(trimethylsilyl)amido]zincates of Lithium and Calcium Calcium-bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amide] and Bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amido]zinc yield in 1,2-dimethoxyethane quantitatively Calcium-bis{tris[bis(trimethylsilyl)- amido]zincate} · 3DME. When THF is chosen as a solvent, the two reactants and the zincate form a temperature-independent equilibrium, whereas in benzene no reaction occurs. The tris[bis(trimethylsilyl)amido]zincate anion displays characteristic ¹³C{¹H) and ²⁹Si{¹H] chemical shifts of 7 and ?8 ppm, respectively; the nature of the solvent, the cation and the complexating ligands don't influence the IR nor NMR data of the zincate anion and thus verify that [Ca(DME)₃]²⁺ and {Zn[N(SiMe_{3 2}]₃}^? appear as solvent separated ions, which is also confirmed by their insolubility in hydrocarbons.     

Base-freie Tris(trimethylsilyl)methyl-Derivate des Lithiums,Aluminiums, Galliums und Indiums

Base-free Tris(trimethylsilyl)methyl Derivatives of Lithium, Aluminium, Gallium, and Indium Base-free LiR* (R*=-C(SiMe₃)₃) has been prepared from R*Cl and Li-metal in toluene at 85?90°C and used to synthesize the metallanes R*MMe₂ with M = Al, Ga and In, respectively. The NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ²⁹Si) and the vibrational spectra of these trisyl compounds have been discussed. AlCl₃ and LiR*(ratio 1 : 1) forms the metallate metallate Li[R*AlCl₃]. The triclinic unit cell (space group P1 ) consists of a centrosymmetric assoziate, formed by four Li[R*AlCl₃]- units with Al? Cl…?Li bridges, two pairs of Li-atoms differing in their chlorine-coordination and two disordered toluene molecules, inserted in the crystal lattice (R₁wR₂ =0,0444/0,1072). The reaction of GaCl₃ with LiR* (I :1) gives the unusual sesquichloride (R*Ga(Cl_1,33)Me_0,67)₃ in moderate yield. The X-ray structure determination shows a Ga₃Cl₃-skeleton with chairconformation and disordered, terminal gallium ligands (R₁/wR₂= 0,0646/0,2270).     

Synthese,Kristallstruktur, Elektronenstruktur,spektroskopische und magnetische Eigenschaften von [VOCl2{P(SiMe3)3}2]: Ein Phosphankomplex mit fehlgeordneter VOCl2-Einheit

Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Electronic Structure, Spectroscopic and Magnetic Properties of [VOCl₂{P(SiMe₃)₃}₂]: A Phosphane Complex with a Disordered VOCl₂ Group VOCl₃ reacts with P(SiMe₃)₃ to form blue green crystals of [VOCl₂{P(SiMe₃)₃}₂] ( 1 ). The X-ray crystal structure analysis of 1 (cubic space group P2₁3: a = 1541.4(1) pm, Z = 4) reveals a slightly distorded trigonal bipyramidal coordination environment for the disordered vanadium(IV) center. Density functional calculations on the compound [VOCl₂{P(SiH₃)₃}₂] ( 2 ) are in accord with this observation. 1 has been characterized by ESR, vibrational (IR and Raman) and electronic absorption spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. The ESR spectra of 1 in a toluene solution (293 K and frozen solution at 6 K) exhibit hyperfine interactions of the unpaired electron with the ⁵¹V center (I = 7/2) and the ³¹P centers (I = 1/2) of the two equivalent phosphane ligands. The ligand-field transitions of the VOCl₂{P}₂ chromophore observed in the electronic absorption spectrum have been assigned on the basis of density functional calculations on 2 .     

Tris(trimethylsilyl)methanselenenylhalogenide und -chalkogenide

Tris(trimethylsilyl)methaneselenenyl Halides and Chalcogenides . Ditrisyldiselenide ( 1 ) (trisyl = TSi = (Me₃Si)₃C) reacts with SOCl₂, Br₂ and I₂ to provide trisylselenenyl halides TSiSeX ( 2 : X = Cl; 3 : X = Br, 4 : X = I). Insertion of S and Se into the Se? Se bond of 1 to yield (TSiSe)₂S_n ( 5 : n = 1; 6 : n = 2) and (TSiSe)₂Se_n ( 7 : n = 1; 8 : n = 2) was catalysed by iodine. 5 was isolated in pure state and examined by X-ray diffraction. Triselenide 7 can be cleaved by I₂ in CS₂ to give 4 and Se₂I₂ ( 9 ). From 2 with Me₃SiCN and Me₃SiNCS, the new selenenyl pseudohalides TSiSeCN ( 10 ) and TSiSeSCN ( 11 ) were prepared. The compounds were characterised by ¹H, ¹³C- and ⁷⁷Se n.m.r. spectra.     

Bis(trimethylsilyl)amide und -methanide des Yttriums — Molekülstrukturen von Tris(diethylether-O)lithium-(μ-chloro)-tris[bis(trimethylsilyl) methyl]yttriat,solvensfreiem Yttrium-tris[bis(trimethylsilyl)amid] sowie dem Bis(benzonitril)-Komplex

Bis(trimethylsilyl)amides and -methanides of Yttrium — Molecular Structures of Tris(diethylether-O)lithium-(μ-chloro)-tris[bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl]yttriate, solvent-free Yttrium Tris[bis(trimethylsilyl)amide] as well as the Bis(benzonitrile) Complex The reaction of yttrium(III) chloride with the three-fold molar amount of LiE(SiMe₃)₂ (E = N, CH) yields the corresponding yttrium derivatives. Yttrium tris-[bis(trimethylsilyl)amide] crystallizes in the space group P3 1c with a = 1 636,3(2), c = 849,3(2) pm, Z = 2. The yttrium atom is surrounded trigonal pyramidal by three nitrogen atoms with Y? N-bond lengths of 222 pm. Benzene molecules are incorporated parallel to the c-axes. The compound with E = CH crystallizes as a (Et₂O)₃LiCl-adduct in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with a = 1 111,8(2), b = 1 865,2(6), c = 2 598,3(9) pm, β = 97,41(3)° and Z = 4. The reaction of yttrium tris[bis(trimethylsilyl)amide] with benzonitrile yields the bis(benzonitrile) complex, which crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with a = 1 173,7(2), b = 1 210,3(2), c = 1 912,4(3) pm, α = 94,37(1), β = 103,39(1), γ = 117,24(1)° and Z = 2. The amido ligands are in equatorial, the benzonitrile molecules in axial positions.     

Tris(tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl)gallium,Ga{Si(Si(CH3)3)3}3

The title compound has been prepared in good yield by the reaction of gallium trichloride with base‐free hypersilyl lithium (Li–Si(SiMe₃)₃, Me = CH₃) in a 1 : 3 molar ratio. Ga(Si(SiMe₃)₃)₃ is monomeric in solution and in the solid state. The compound has been characterized with NMR, IR and Raman techniques as well as by an X‐ray structure determination (planar GaSi₃‐skeleton, monoclinic space group P2₁/c, Z = 4, d(Ga–Si) = 249,8 ± 0,2 pm).     

Molekül- und Kristallstruktur von Magnesium-bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)phosphanid] · DME

Molecular and Crystal Structure of Magnesium Bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)phosphide] · DME Magnesium bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)phosphide] crystallizes in the tetragonal space group I4 c2 with a = 1652.9(2); c = 2282.6(5) pm and Z = 8. The magnesium atom is distorted tetrahedrally surrounded by two oxygen and two phosphorus atoms with Mg? P- and Mg? O-bond lengths of 248.7(2) and 204.7(5) pm, respectively. The phosphorus atom displays a trigonal pyramidal coordination.     

Strontium- und Barium-bis[N,N′ -bis(trimethylsilyl)benzamidinate] aus der Additionsreaktion der Erdalkalimetall-bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amide] mit Benzonitril

Strontium and Barium Bis[N,N′-bis(trimethylsilyl)benzamidinates] from the Addition Reaction of the Alkaline Earth Metal Bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amides] and Benzonitrile The reaction of strontium bis[bis trimethylsilyl)amide] with benzonitrile yields strontium bis[N,N′- bis(trimethylsilyl)benzamidinate] · 2THF, which crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbcn (a = 1845.4(3); b = 131 1,3(2); c = 1838,(3) pm; Z = 4). During the similar reaction of barium bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amide] with benzonitrile the benzonitrile adduct barium bis[N,N′-bis(trimethylsilyl)benzamidinate] · 2 THF · benzonitrile is formed. After the addition of diphenylacetylene to the strontium di(benzamidinate) in diglyme a clathrate of the composition strontium bis[N,N′-bis(trimethylsilyl)benzamidinate] · diglyme · diphenylacetylene could be isolated; the spectroscopic data as well as the X-ray structure (monoclinic, C2/c, a = 1492.2(2); b = 1539.1(2); c = 2337.8(3)pm; Z = 4) confirm the isolated appearance of the acetylene molecule without interaction to the metal center in solution and in the solid state, respectively.     

Das unterschiedliche Reaktionsverhalten von basefreiem Tris(trimethylsilyl)methyl‐Lithium gegenüber den Trihalogeniden der Erdmetalle und des Eisens

The Variable Reaction Behaviour of Base‐free Tris(trimethylsilyl)methyl Lithium with Trihalogenides of Earth‐Metals and Iron Base‐free tris(trimethylsilyl)methyl Lithium, Tsi–Li, reacts with the earth‐metal trihalogenides (MHal₃ with M = Al, Ga, In and Hal = Cl, Br, I) primarily to give the metallates [Tsi–MHal₃]Li. Simultaneous to this simple metathesis a methylation also takes place, mainly with heavier halogenides of Ga and In with excess Tsi–Li, forming the mono and dimethyl compounds Tsi–M(Me)Hal (M = Ga, In; Hal = I), Tsi–MMe₂ (M = Ga), and the bis(trisyl)derivative (Tsi)₂InMe, respectively and the main by‐product 1,3‐disilacyclobutane. Representatives of each type of compound have been isolated by fractionating crystallizations or sublimations and characterized by spectroscopic methods (¹H, ¹³C, ²⁹Si NMR, IR, Raman) and X‐ray elucidations. Reduction takes place, when FeCl₃ reacts with Tsi–Li (1 : 3 ratio) in toluene at 55–60 °C, yielding red‐violet Fe(Tsi)₂, 1,1,1‐tris(trimethylsilyl)‐2‐phenyl ethane and low amounts of Tsi–Cl. Fe(Tsi)₂ is monomeric, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c and consists of a linear C–Fe–C skeleton with d(Fe–C) of 204,5(4) pm.     

Synthese und Kristallstruktur von Mangan(II)‐ und Zinkamid,Mn(NH2)2 und Zn(NH2)2

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Manganese(II) and Zinc Amides, Mn(NH₂)₂ and Zn(NH₂)₂ Metal powders of manganese resp. zinc react with supercritical ammonia in autoclaves in the presence of a mineralizer Na₂Mn(NH₂)₄ resp. Na₂Zn(NH₂)₄_.0.5NH₃ to well crystallized ruby‐red Mn(NH₂)₂ (p(NH₃) = 100 bar, T = 130°C, 10 d) resp. colourless Zn(NH₂)₂ (p(NH₃) = 3.8 kbar, T = 250°C, 60 d). The structures including all H‐positions were solved by x‐ray single crystal data: Mn(NH₂)₂: I4₁/acd, Z = 32, a = 10.185(6) Å, c = 20.349(7) Å, N(F_o) with F > 3σ (F) = 313, N(parameter) = 45, R/R_w = 0.038/0.043. Zn(NH₂)₂: I4₁/acd, Z = 32, a = 9.973(3) Å, c = 19.644(5) Å, N(F_o) with F > 3σ (F) = 489, N(parameter) = 45, R/R_w = 0.038/0.043. Both compounds crystallize isotypic with Mg(NH₂)₂ [1] resp. Be(NH₂)₂ [2]. Nitrogen of the amide ions is distorted cubic close packed. One quarter of tetrahedral voids is occupied by Mn²⁺‐ resp. Zn²⁺‐ions in such an ordered way that units M₄(NH₂)₆(NH₂)_4/2 occur. The H‐atoms of the anions have such an orientation that the distance to neighboured cations is optimum.     

Homo- und heteroleptische Zinkarsanide — Synthese und Struktur

Homo- and Heteroleptic Zinc Arsanides — Syntheses and Structure Bis(trimethylsilyl)arsane reacts with dialkylzinc ZnR₂ (R = Me, Et, CH₂SiMe₃) in the stoichiometric ratio of 1 : 1 in hydrocarbons to the heteroleptic alkyl zink bis(trimethylsilyl)arsanides. The steric demand of the alkyl substituent enforces the oligomerisation degree of two or three. Diethylzinc and two equivalents of HAs(SiMe₃)₂ yield dimeric zinc bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)arsanide]. Methyl zinc bis(trimethylsilyl)arsanide crystallizes as a trimer with a six-membered Zn₃As₃-cycle in the twist-boat conformation {orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁, a = 1 015.3(1), b = 1 887.6(4), c = 2 272.9(4) pm, Z = 4}. The molecule of ethyl zinc bis(trimethylsilyl)arsanide is built similar in the solid state {monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 1 220.2(4), b = 1 889.0(6), c = 1 968.5(6) pm, β = 90.24(1)°, Z = 4}. However, zinc bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)arsanide] separates due to the steric demand of the terminal (Me₃Si)₂As-ligand as a dimer in the triclinic space group P1 {a = 967.8(2), b = 1 088.5(2), c = 1 238.1(2) pm, α = 92.41(1), β = 105.20(1), γ = 105.05(1)°, Z = 2}. The endocyclic zinc-arsenic distances vary only slightly around 248 pm, but the exocyclic one is with a value of 238 pm drastically shorter. The Zn? C bond lengths with values around 197 pm lie in the characteristic region for zinc with the coordination number of three.     

Metallderivate von Molekülverbindungen. IV. Synthese,Struktur und Reaktivität des Lithium-[tris-(trimethylsilyl)silyl]tellanids · DME

Metal Derivatives of Molecular Compounds. IV Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of Lithium [Tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl]tellanide · DME Lithium tris(trimethylsilyl)silanide · 1,5 DME [3] and tellurium react in 1,2-dimethoxyethane to give colourless lithium [tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl]tellanide · DME ( 1 ). An X-ray structure determination {-150 · 3·C; P2₁/c; a = 1346.6(4); b = 1497.0(4); c = 1274.5(3) pm; β = 99.22(2)·; Z = 2 dimers; R = 0.030} shows the compound to be dimeric forming a planar Li? Te? Li? Te ring with two tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl substituents in a trans position. Three-coordinate tellurium is bound to the central silicon of the tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl group and to two lithium atoms; the two remaining sites of each four-coordinate lithium are occupied by the chelate ligand DME {Li? Te 278 and 284; Si? Te 250; Li? O 200 pm (2X); Te? Li? Te 105°; Li? Te? Li 75°; O? Li? O 84°}. The covalent radius of 154 pm as determined for the DME-complexed lithium in tellanide 1 is within the range of 155 ± 3 pm, also characteristic for similar compounds. In typical reactions of the tellanide 1 [tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl]tellane ( 2 ), methyl-[tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl]tellane ( 4 ) and bis[tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl]ditellane ( 5 ) are formed.     

Die Kristallstruktur von [Li · 11/3 H2O · C7H8][{(CH3)3Si}3C–GaI3], ein stabiles Hydrat des Lithium‐Tris(trimethylsilyl)methyl‐triiodogallats

The Crystal Structure of [Li · 1¹/₃ H₂O · C₇H₈][{(CH₃)₃Si}₃C–GaI₃], a Stable Hydrate of Lithium Tris(trimethylsilyl)methyl Triiodogallate Water‐free Li[Tsi–GaI₃], prepared from gallium triiodide and base‐free Tsi–Li (Tsi = –C(SiMe₃)₃) in toluene, which has been recrystallized several times from humid toluene, c‐hexane, benzene and toluene again gives the water‐containing title compound. According to the X‐ray structure determination this product crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c and consists of three‐membered units of [Tsi–GaI₃]^–‐anions forming an asymmetric triangle and a related chain of three Li cations, four fold but dissimilar coordinated by the oxygen atoms of 4 water molecules, the iodligands of different anions and a h²‐bonded toluene molecule, respectively.     

Vinyl tris(trimethylsilyl)silanes: substrates for Hiyama coupling

The oxidative treatment of vinyl tris(trimethylsilyl)silanes with hydrogen peroxide in aqueous sodium hydroxide in tetrahydrofuran generates reactive silanol or siloxane species that undergo Pd-catalyzed cross-couplings with aryl, heterocyclic, and alkenyl halides in the presence of Pd(PPh₃)₄ and tetrabutylammonium fluoride. Hydrogen peroxide and base are necessary for the coupling to occur while activation of the silanes with fluoride is not required. The conjugated and unconjugated tris(trimethylsilyl)silanes serve as good cross-coupling substrates. The (E)-silanes undergo coupling with retention of stereochemistry while coupling of (Z)-silanes occurred with lower stereoselectivity to produce an E/Z mixture of products.     

Bis[tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl]zink, -cadmium und -quecksilber,schwingungsspektroskopische Daten und Strukturanalysen

Bis[tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl] Zinc, Cadmium, and Mercury – a Structural Study by IR and Raman Spectroscopy and X-Ray Analyses Raman and FT-IR spectra of bis[tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl] zinc ( 1 ), cadmium ( 2 ) and mercury ( 3 ) were recorded. The vibrational data are in agreement with either D_3h or a D_3d symmetry. The latter had been shown to be the correct one at least for the solid state by X-ray diffraction experiments. All three compounds crystallize isomorphically in the triclinic centrosymmetric space group P1 . [ 2 (T = 293 K): a = 9.4388(11); b = 9.744(2); c = 12.926(2); α = 68.200(12); β = 71.971(10); γ = 60.925(10); Z = 1; (T = 173 K): a = 9.336(6); b = 9.585(5); c = 12.488(8); α = 68.77(4); β = 72.28(4); γ = 62.06(4); 3 : a = 9.467(2); b = 9.749(2); c = 12.885(2); α = 67.840(14); β = 71.510(14); γ = 60.890(14); Z = 1]. The Hg—Si bondlength in 3 was found to be 246.9(2)pm, somewhat shorter then in all disilylmercury derivatives investigated sofar and even shorter than the Cd—Si bond in 2 (250.4(1)pm). Bondlengths and angles within the tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl group are virtually equal in all three group 12 derivatives and lie in the expected range.     

Synthese,Eigenschaften und Struktur von [Li(OC4H8)4][((CH3)3Si)3C–InBr3]

Synthesis, Properties, and X-Ray Structure Determination of [Li(OC₄H₈)₄][((CH₃)₃Si)₃C–InBr₃] The reaction of InBr₃ with LiR* · (THF)_n (R* = –C(SiMe₃)₃, THF = OC₄H₈) in a 1 : 1 molar ratio forms [Li(THF)₄][R*InBr₃] in good yield. The properties and some spectroscopic data (¹H, ¹³C, ²⁹Si, ⁷Li–NMR, IR and Raman) of this trisyl-tribromoindate are given and the crystal structure has been determined.     

Zum Reaktionsverhalten der Tris(dialkylthiophosphinyl)phosphane – Die Kristallstruktur von [Ag{O[P(S)Me2]2}2] [AsF6]

Reactivity of Tris(dialkylthiophosphinyl)phosphines – Crystal Structure of [Ag{O[P(S)Me₂]₂}₂][AsF₆] In contrast to tris(dialkylphosphoryl)phosphines the reaction of tris(dimethylthiophosphinyl)phosphine with transition metal hexafluoroarsenates of the type [M(SO₂)_m [AsF₆]_n (M = Ag, m = 0, n = 1; M = Fe, Cd, m = n = 2) forms no molecular 2 : 1-complexes but polymeric products. The silver polymer is transformed into [Ag{O[P(S)Me₂]₂}₂][AsF₆], which is also formed by the reaction of Ag[AsF₆] with O[P(S)Me₂]₂. It crystallizes in the space group P1 with a = 862.5(2), b = 1 241.4(2), c = 1 254.0(3)pm, α = 80.34(1), β = 101.99(6), γ= 73.75(1)° (at 20°C) and Z = 2. The central silver atom is surrounded by four sulphur atoms in a slighly distorted tetrahedron. The average (Ag? S) and (P? S) bond lengthes are 259.4(2) pm and 194.9(2)pm, respectively.     

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Several Ytterbium Bis(trimethylsilyl)amides Including Base‐free [Yb{N(SiMe3)2}2(μ‐Cl)]2 — A Coordinatively Unsaturated Complex with Additional Agostic Yb···(H3C—Si) Interactions

The reaction of YbCl₃ with two equivalents of NaN‐(SiMe₃)₂ has afforded a mixture of several ytterbium bis(trimethylsilyl) amides with the known complexes [Yb{N(SiMe₃)₂}2(μ‐Cl)(thf)]₂ ( 1 ) and [Yb{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃]( 4 ) as the main products and the cluster compound [Yb₃Cl₄O{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃(thf)₃]( 2 ) as a minor product. Treatment of 1 and 2 with hot n‐heptane gave the basefree complex [Yb{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂(μ‐Cl)]₂ ( 3 ) in small yield. The structures of compounds 1—4 and the related peroxo complex [Yb₂{N(SiMe₃)₂}₄(μ‐O₂)(thf)₂]( 5 ) have been investigated by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. In the solid‐state, 3 shows chlorobridged dimers with terminal amido ligands (av. Yb—Cl = 262.3 pm, av. Yb—N = 214.4 pm). Additional agostic interactions are observed from the ytterbium atoms to four methyl carbon atoms of the bis(trimethylsilyl)amido groups (Yb···C = 284—320 pm). DFT calculations have been performed on suitable model systems ([Yb₂(NH₂)₄(μ‐Cl)₂(OMe₂)₂]( 1m ), [Yb₂(NH₂)₄(μ‐Cl)₂]( 3m ), [Yb‐(NH₂)₃]( 4m ), [Yb₂(NH2₄(μ‐O₂)(OMe₂)₂]( 5m ), [Yb{N‐(SiMe₃)₂}₂Cl] ( 3m/2 ) and Ln(NH₂)₂NHSiMe₃ (Ln = Yb ( 6m ), Y ( 7m )) in order to rationalize the different experimentally observed Yb—N distances, to support the assignment of the O—O stretching vibration (775 cm ^‐1) in the Raman spectrum of complex 5 and to examine the nature of the agostic‐type interactions in σ‐donorfree 3 .