m-Terphenyl diphosphines bearing a central phenolate ring as coordinatively flexible frameworks for supporting transition metals

Based on earlier studies of m-terphenyl-supported complexes, a m-terphenyl diphosphine framework bearing a central phenolate ring has been studied. This ligand framework imparts coordinative lability to stabilize metal centers of a variety of oxidn. states by shifting between arene/phenolate coordination. Metalation has been explored with iron, cobalt and nickel and their redox properties and reactivities will be discussed. Variations in the substituent para to the phenolate oxygen have been synthesized to investigate their electronic effects on the metal complex.