Synthesis of pyrrole-based PSiP pincer ligands and their palladium, rhodium, and platinum complexes

The synthesis and coordination chemistry of a new class of silyl pincer ligand featuring pyrrole-based linkers is reported. The steric and electronic properties of these bis(phosphinopyrrole)methylsilane ligands were interrogated using their palladium, rhodium, and platinum complexes. The pyrrole-based linker attenuates the donor ability of the ligand relative to its reported 1,2-phenylene congener while maintaining a similar steric profile. Additionally, the silyl donor connected to the N-pyrrolyl groups exhibits a weaker trans influence than the analogous ligand featuring 1,2-phenylene linkers.