"Cyclic tetramer" vs "dimer of cyclic dimer": subtle anion effects on the cyclization of AgBF4 vs AgC1O(4) with bis(3-pyridyl)dimethylsilane

Abstract

Subtle anion effects have been observed for the cyclization of AgX (X- = BF4- VS ClO4-) with bis(3-pyridyl)dimethylsilane. For the two similar anions, BF4- affords a "cyclic tetramer" with two independent spaces, while ClO4--affords a "dimer of cyclic dimer" via an unusual intercyclic argentophilic interaction. For BF4-, the specific X-...H-C interactions seem to play an important role in the formation of the cyclic tetramer.