Synthesis and structure of trinuclear yttrium(III) dihydrido cluster stabilized by bulky amidinate ligand

A new yttrium dihydride complex [(Amd^But)Y]₃(μ-H)₆(THF)₂ (Amd^But = [Bu^tC(NC₆H₃Prⁱ₂-2,6)₂]⁻) was synthesized by the reaction of (Amd^But)Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF) with two molar equivalents of PhSiH₃. This complex adopts a trinuclear structure both in crystalline state and in C₆D₆ solution due to five μ²- and one μ³-bridging hydride ligands. The complex was found to be active in hydrosilylation of terminal alkenes with PhSiH₃.