Synthesis and catalytic application of a donor-free bismuthenium cation†

Herein, we report the synthesis and catalytic application of a new N,N′-dineopentyl-1,2-phenylenediamine-based bismuthenium cation (3). 3 has been synthesized via the treatment of chlorobismuthane LBiCl [L = 1,2-C₆H₄{N(CH₂tBu)}₂] (2) with AgSbF₆, and was further used as a robust catalyst for the cyanosilylation of ketones under mild reaction conditions. Experimental studies and DFT calculations were performed to understand the mechanistic pathway.