Bis(1,2,3-triazol-5-ylidenes)(i-bitz) as stable 1,4-bidentate ligands based on mesoionic carbenes (MICs)

Direct metalation of bis(1,2,3-triazolium) salts affords mononuclear rhodium(I) complexes, which feature a 1,4-bidentate bis(1,2,3-triazol-5-ylidene) (i-bitz) ligand. The topology of the ligand is similar to that of 2,20-bipyridines (bpy) and their congeners, as well as bis(1,2,4-triazol-5- ylidenes)(bitz). As the former, but in contrast to the latter, the free i-bitz can be isolated, which paves the way for various applications.