Characterization of the complex formed between samarium diiodide and the dehydro dimer of HMPA (diHMPA)

A new ligand that facilitates samarium diiodide-mediated reductions has been developed. Addition of a solution of samarium diiodide to the dehydro dimer of hexamethylphosphoramide results in a purple complex which is an excellent reductant for a variety of organic functionalities. The complex was characterized by the kinetics of reduction of 1-bromodecane, visible spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry.