Abstract
The bis(imino)pyridine scaffold provides support for the synthesis and characterization of unique Ag(i) pincer complexes [{ArN&z.dbd; CPh} sub(2)(NPh)]Ag super(+)(OTf) super(-) (Ar = 2,5- super(t)Bu sub(2)C sub(6)H sub(3)3; 2,6- super(i)Pr sub(2)C sub(6)H sub(3)4). The bonding interactions between the cation-anion and between the bis(imino)pyridine ligand and the Ag centre are presented. Coordination of pyridine, toluene, 2-butyne and cyclooctene to the Ag centre led to the isolation and crystallographic characterization of labile transient adduct species. Bonding analysis of the adducts revealed conventional ligand-Ag coordination and important unconventional electron donation from the ligand to a pi *-orbital of the bis(imino)pyridine group.