The reaction of LiY[(NPr2)-Pr-i](4) with H2LCl (L = O-4,6-di-Bu-t-C6H2-2-CH2-[C{N(CHCH)(NPr)-Pr-i}]) and BuLi in the molar ratio of 1:3:2 at -78 degrees C affords a yttrium complex supported by three anionic NHC ligands, L3Y (1). Reaction temperature has a great effect on the reaction outcome. The same reaction at room temperature yields a monoanionic NHC yttrium complex co-supported by a bridged bisphenoxo group, LY[(O-4,6-di-Bu-t-C6H2)(2)(CH2)][(i)PrIm](2)((i)PrIm = N-isopropylimidazole) (2) formed from the cleavage of NHC.