Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity of a σ-Donating Ni 0 -Stabilized Silyliumylidene Ion.

The synthesis of a silyliumylidene cation complex 2 stabilized by a Ni 0 -based donating ligand is reported. Experimental and theoretical studies demonstrate that the highly electrophilic Si II center is stabilized by a dative Ni→Si σ-interaction and π-donations from the amino- and Ni-moieties. Due to the energetically close frontier orbitals localized on the Si and Ni atoms, complex 2 presents a competitive reactivity at Si and Ni sites.