Diiminepyridine-Supported Phosphorus(I) and Phosphorus(III) Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemistry

Abstract

Diiminepyridines (DIP) are popular redox “non-innocent” ligands with widespread application in late, first-row transition metal mediated catalysis and coordination chemistry. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of a pair of phosphorus coordination complexes in the +1 and +3 oxidation states supported by the same ligand framework bearing sterically imposing and electron-releasing tBu substituents on the imine carbons of the DIP backbone. Electrochemical analysis demonstrates that the DIP scaffold can retain its ability to serve as an electron reservoir when coordinated to a reduced pnictogen centre, with a reversible reduction observed for the PI complex.