Reactivity of molecules containing element\u2013element bonds. I.Non transitional elements.

A new method for preparing Bi2Ph4 consists of reducing BiPh21 with bis(cyclopentadienyl)cobalt(II) in tetrahydrofuran as solvent, with yields as high as 80%. The mixed products Ph2BiEPh (E = S, Se, Te) were obtained by reacting Bi2Ph4 with &Ph2 in toluene as solvent at room temperature. The crystal and molecular structure of BiSePh, has been solved. Crystal data: CI8Hl5BiSe, M, = 519.3, orthorhombic, space group P212121a, = 15.936 (3) A, 6 = 11.550 (3) A, c = 8.855 (2) A, Z = 4, d(calcd) = 2.116 g cm-,. The structure consists of tricoordinated and bicoordinated bismuth and selenium, respectively, paired by a Bi-Se bond 2.704 (3) A long. The tellurium and selenium mixed species undergo diazomethane insertion with formation of the Ph2BiCH2-EPh species. Tetraphenyldibismuthine is oxidized by elemental selenium, giving (BiPh2)2Se