Synthesis and X-ray crystal structures of pnictogen-bridged, bimetallic complexes containing main group metal and tricarbonylnickel fragments

Reactions of monomeric, base-stabilized aluminum pnictines of the type dmap -Al(Me)(2)E(SiMe3)(2) (dmap = 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine, E = P, As, Sb) wit h Ni(CO)(4) lead to the formation of pnictogen-bridged complexes of the typ e dmap-Al(Me-2)E(SiMe4)(2)-Ni(CO)(3) (E = P 1, As2, Sb 3). This reaction fo r the first time offers a simple and general pathway to bimetallic pnictoge n-bridged complexes containing both a main group metal and a tricarbonylnic kel fragment. 2 and 3 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffractio n and represent the first examples of a bimetallic arsenic and antimony com plex of the type.