On the molecular structure and bonding in a lithium bismuth porphyrin complex: LiBi(TPP)(2).

A new BiLi porphyrin sandwich compound, LiBi(TPP)2 has been synthesized and characterized (TPP=tetraphenylporphyrin). The unique molecular structure of LiBi(TPP)2 is such that the Bi sits between the porphyrins and is directed towards the Li. This complex was shown to remain intact in solution by temperature-dependent 2D NMR spectroscopy. In order to investigate the potential interaction between these two metals, DFT calculations were used and showed a Bi 6s orbital polarized towards Li which could be indicative of a BiLi dative bond. This bond is remarkably short, 2.87 Å, and is among the shortest BiLi distances seen in a small molecule.