A comparison of the coordination behaviour of R 2 PCH 2 BMe 2 (R = Me vs. Ph) ambiphilic ligands with late transition metals

A new synthesis that avoids the use of Me₂PH is reported for (Me₂PCH₂BMe₂)₂, and this method was extended to the synthesis of (Ph₂PCH₂BMe₂)₂. The ligand precursor (Me₂PCH₂BMe₂)₂ did not react with [{M(μ-Cl)(cod)}₂] (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene; M = Ir and Rh) or [PtCl₂(cod)] at room temperature. However, after 12-48 hours at 65-70 °C, these reactions afforded (a) [Ir(cod)(μ-Cl)(Me₂PCH₂BMe₂)] (1), (b) an equilibrium mixture of (Me₂PCH₂BMe₂)₂, …