A new PC(sp(3))P ligand and its coordination chemistry with low-valent iron, cobalt and nickel complexes.

A new PC(sp(3))P ligand N,N'-bis(diphenylphosphino)dipyrromethane [PCH2P] (1) was prepared and its iron, cobalt and nickel chemistry was explored. Two pincer-type complexes [PCHP]Fe(H)(PMe3)2 (2) and [PCHP]Co(PMe3)2 (4) were synthesized in the reaction of with Fe(PMe3)4 and Co(Me)(PMe3)4. 1 reacted with Co(PMe3)4 and Ni(PMe3)4 to afford Co(0) and Ni(0) complexes [PCH2P]Co(PMe3)2 (3) and [PCH2P]Ni(PMe3)2 (5). The structures of complexes 2-5 were determined by X-ray diffraction.