The pioneering work of Shaw,1 van Koten and Noltes2 on transition metal pincer complexes in the 1970s sparked an explosive period of development and exploitation for this class of privileged ligand scaffolds. Recently, we have successfully developed a methodology for the synthesis of chiral pincer complexes. Optically pure C-stereogenic PCP- and PCN-ligands can be synthesized via a facile protocol from simple 6/7-carbon building blocks in high overall yields and excellent stereoselectivity. This new protocol of preparing the ligand backbones allows easy modification of the para-substituent, chiral functionalities, neutral electron donors and the transition metal center. The one-pot hydrophosphination/metalation procedure was successful in preparing a series of optically pure palladium, platinum and nickel pincer complexes in high isolated yields of 70-91%. Reference [1] Moulton, C. J.; Shaw, B. L. J. Chem. Soc., Dalton Trans. 1976, 1020. [2] van Koten, G.; Timmer, K.; Noltes, J. G.; Spek, A. L. J. Chem. Soc., Chem Commun. 1978, 250.

Versatile syntheses of optically pure ECE' pincer complexes

249th National Meeting (2015)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.