Agostic deformations based on electron delocalization in the alkyllithium-complex [{2-(Me3Si)(2)CLiC5H4N}(2)

Topological analysis of experimental and theoretical charge densities in the title complex[{2-(Me3Si)(2)CLiC5H4N}(2)] 1 reveals the nature of the agostic deformation postulated for this complex: delocalization of the Li-C bonding electrons over the entire agostic alkyl group controls the formation of an acute Li-C-Si angle and thus a sufficient electronic saturation of the electron deficient lithium atom via secondary interactions.