Synthesis and structure of lithium amides and solvated derivatives containing bulky bis(silylamide) ligands

Eight new lithium amides, containing various sterically demanding -N[(SiMe3)(SiR3)] ligands, have been synthesized and structurally characterized in solvated and solvent-free forms. These amides can and have been used in the synthesis of congested metal and main group complexes. Additionally, an unusual trilithium amide with a μ3-I atom was formed in the reaction between Li[N(adamantyl)(SiMe3)] and CaI2.