A lead(II) toluene complex

A well-defined intermolecular toluene complex of lead(II) supported by a pincer-type saNHC (saturated N-heterocyclic carbene) ligand was prepared through deprotonation of the bis(imidazolinium) salt with Pb[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ or metalation of the free carbene and subsequent salt metathesis with Tl(OTf), followed by crystallization from toluene. Combined computational and experimental results indicate that noncovalent interactions with the lead atom (σ-sss-hole type interaction, dispersion) and the diisopropylphenyl side groups of the ligand (dispersion) stabilize the complex.