PBP-type pincer complexes possess Lewis acidic boryl central donors, which can serve as σ-donors with a strong trans-influence. Our group synthesized diarylboryl/bis(phosphine) iridium and rhodium complexes.1 In 2017, We reported utilizing the empty orbital on boron to direct selective ortho C-H activation of pyridines by (PBP)Ir metal complexes, which showed excellent selectivity.2 This approach is distinct from using coordination between directing groups and transition metal centers to achieve selective C-H activation. Herein, we discovered methods to achieve a better selectivity on ortho C-H activation of pyridine derivatives by (PBP)Rh and (PBP)Ir. It resulted in a unique CN/NC isomerization with the boryl central donor participated in the process. Some more reactivities of (PBP)Ir complexes and our recent progress in selective C-H activation and functionalization of pyridines by (PBP)Rh and (PBP)Ir will be discussed in the presentation.3,4

Boryl participation in the bond activations by (PBP)Rh and (PBP)Ir complexes

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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