Synthesis and characterisation of complexes of the 2,6-diphenoxyphenyl ligand

The use of the 2,6-diphenoxyphenyl ligand has facilitated the stabilisation of lithium, silane and stannane complexes. The ortho-metallation reaction between 1,3-(PhO)₂C₆H₄ and ⁿBuLi yields 2,6-(PhO)₂C₆H₃Li (1); the crystallographically characterised dimer 2,6-(PhO)₂C₆H₃Li(OEt₂)]₂ (1.Et₂O]₂) can be obtained by the crystallisation of 1 from diethyl ether. The reaction between 1 and Me₃ECl gives rise to the structurally authenticated complexes 2,6-(PhO)₂C₆H₃EMe₃ E = Si, 2; E = Sn, 3].