C-H and H-H bond activation via ligand dearomatization/rearomatization of a PN3P-rhodium(I) complex

Abstract

A neutral complex PN3P-Rh(I)Cl (2) was prepared from a reaction of the PN3P pincer ligand (1) with [Rh(COD)Cl]2 (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene). Upon treatment with a suitable base, H-H and Csp2-H activation reactions can be achieved through the deprotonation/reprotonation of one of the N-H arms and dearomatization/rearomatization of the central pyridine ring with the oxidation state of Rh remaining I.