Synthesis of 2,2′,5,5′-tetramethylbibismole. A thermochromic dibismuthine

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/om00081a030

The reaction of 1,1-dibutyl-2,5-dimethylstannole with iodine gave 2(Z),5(Z)-diiodohexa-2,4-diene, which on treatment with butyllithium followed by phenylbismuth diiodide afforded 1-phenyl-2,5-dimethylbismole. The bismole was converted to the thermochromic 2,2′,5,5′-tetramethylbibismole by reaction of sodium in liquid ammonia followed by treatment with 1,2-dichloroethane.