Synthesis, properties, and reactivity of the stilbene complex of ytterbium (PhCH=CHPh)Yb(THF)2. Crystal structure of (2,4,6-But3C6H2O)2Yb(THF)3

The stilbene complex of ytterbium (PhCH=CHPh)Yb(THF)2 (1) was prepared by the reaction of YbI2(THF)2 with a twofold excess of (PhCH=CHPh)− Li+. Based on the data of IR and ESR spectroscopy and on the results of magnetic measurements, compound1 was characterized as a complex of divalent ytterbium with the stilbene dianion. The reactivity of complex1 toward different types of reagents was studied. The structure of the product of the reaction of1 with 2,4,6-tri(tert-butyl)phenol (2,4,6-But3C6H2O)2Yb(THF)3 was established by X-ray diffraction analysis.