Transition metal complexes supported by tris(phosphino) borate ligands

Abstract

Our group is currently targeting charge neutral metal complexes that exhibit chemistry reminiscent of cationic, coordinatively unsaturated species. Within this context we have set out to prepare new metal complexes bearing anionic tris-phosphino borate ligands, [PhB(CH2PPh2)3]-, and have thus far succeeded in isolating and characterizing a range of molecular complexes ranging from the mid to latter part of the transition series. For example, the cobalt(II) complexes {PhB(CH2PPh2)3]CoX}2 (X=CI, Br) have been prepared and shown to be dimeric in the solid state. The related iodide complex PhB(CH2PPh2)3]Col, however, is rigorously monomeric in the solid state and represents an unusual 15 electron cobalt complex. The physical and chemical properties of these and other compounds will be discussed, in addition to our recent efforts at expanding the toolkit of tris-phosphino borate ligands.

Additional details