Synthesis and characterization of R2SbH, R2BiH, and R2Bi-BiR2 [R = (Me3Si)2CH]

R2SbH (1) and R2BiH (2) [R = (Me3Si)(2)CH] are formed by reactions of the corresponding chlorides with LiAlH4. 1 is stable up to 100 degreesC. Decomposition of 2 at room temperature leads to R2Bi-BiR2 (3) and H-2. The crystal structure of 3 consists of molecules in a near trans conformation. H-1 NMR studies of 3 in C6D6 show that the diastereotopic Me3Si groups become equivalent with increasing concentration and temperature.