CuI complexes bearing BPEP as a PNP-pincer type phosphaalkene ligand undergo effective bonding interactions with SbF6− and PF6− as non-coordinating anions to give [Cu(SbF6)(BPEP)] and [Cu2(BPEP)2(μ-PF6)]+, respectively [BPEP = 2,6-bis(1-phenyl-2-phosphaethenyl)pyridine]. NMR and theoretical studies indicate a reduced anionic charge of the μ-PF6 ligand, which is induced by the strong π-accepting ability of BPEP.
