The title compound, prepared by reaction of LiN=CPh2 with AIC3 in 2 : 1 -+ 3 : 1 molar ratio, crystallises as the dimer (Ph2C=N)2AI(p2-N=CPh2)2AI(N=CPh2)2, with AI-N distances (terminal 1.78, bridging 1.93 A) and C=N-AI angles (terminal 148-175, bridging 130-133") consistent with a bonding description in which each ligand functions as a source of three electrons, making the terminal AI-N bonds twice as strong as the bridging ones, an interpretation supported by molecular orbital bond index (MOBI) calculations which show this to be a general characteristic of species A12X6, whether electron-precise (X=CI, NR2, or N=CR2) or electron-deficient (X=Me or H).
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