Facile Insertion of Rh and Ir into a Boron–Phenyl Bond, Leading to Boryl/Bis(phosphine) PBP Pincer Complexes

Abstract

The unexpectedly facile insertion of Rh or Ir into a B-Ph bond (reversible for Rh) converts a borane/bis(phosphine) precursor into a boryl/bis(phosphine) PBP pincer ligand. Interconversions between the boryl/borane/borate central functionality are demonstrated in reactions with dihydrogen.