Complexes of Stiboranium Mono-, Di-, and Trications

Reaction of Ph2SbCl3 with 2,2'-bipyridine and Me3SiOSO2CF3 releases chlorobenzene, which is interpreted as a reductive (Sb-V/Sb-III) elimination from a complex of a stiboranium cation. Conversely, reactions of Ph2SbCl3 with 4-methylpyridine-N-oxide and AgOSO2CF3 give redox-resistant complexes with the generic formulae [Ph2SbCl3-xLx+1][OTf](x), including a compound containing a pnictogen(V) trication.