A 2,2'-bipyridine coordination complex of [ICl₂]⁺.

The formation of a new class of I(III) compound is reported; an N,N' chelated iodine cation ([bpy-ICl2](+); bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine). The complex is obtained as an [ICl4](-) salt and is formed via simple reaction of bpy with ICl3. The compound is relatively unstable, but may be stored as a solid and is shown to be competent in the oxidative chlorination of Au(I)-NHC complexes.