Synthesis and rhodium complexes of macrocyclic PNP and PONOP pincer ligands

Abstract

The synthesis of macrocyclic variants of commonly employed phosphine-based pincer ligands derived from lutidine (PNP-14) and 2,6-dihydroxypyridine (PONOP-14) is described, where the P-donors are trans-substituted with a tetradecamethylene linker. This was accomplished using an eight-step procedure involving borane protection, ring-closing olefin metathesis, chromatographic separation from the cis-substituted diastereomers, and borane deprotection. The rhodium coordination chemistry of these ligands has been explored, aided by the facile synthesis of 2,2′-biphenyl (biph) adducts [Rh(PNP-14)(biph)][BAr^F₄] and [Rh(PONOP-14)(biph)][BAr^F₄] (Ar^F = 3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃). Subsequent hydrogenolysis enabled generation of dihydrogen, ethylene and carbonyl derivatives; notably the ν(CO) bands of the carbonyl complexes provide a means to compare the donor properties of the new pincer ligands with established acyclic congeners.

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Introduction

Phosphine-based pincers are an important ligand class in organometallic chemistry and catalysis, enabling a diverse variety of metal-based reactivity.¹ Their ability to support reactive metal fragments is often exploited in the literature, with notable examples including a σ-methane complex,² alkane dehydrogenation catalysts,³ and complexes capable of enacting the activation of C(sp³)–F bonds.⁴ Although mer-tridentate donor geometries are in principle highly tuneable and adaptable ligand scaffolds, the majority of phosphine-based pincers employed in the literature feature homoleptic aryl and alkyl phosphine donors, exemplified in the case of lutidine- and 2,6-dihydroxypyridine-derived variants by PNP-tBu and PONOP-tBu (Chart 1).^5,6 Motivated by the potential to exploit additional reaction control though their unique steric profile, use in the construction of interlocked assemblies, and as an extension of our related work with NHC-based pincer ligands,^7,8 we became interested in developing the chemistry of macrocyclic phosphine-based pincers. We herein describe the racemic synthesis of the first macrocyclic pincers PNP-14 and PONOP-14, where the chiral P-donors are trans-substituted with a tetradecamethylene linker, and some representative complexes with rhodium.⁹

Chart 1

Results and discussion

Preparation of borane protected ligands

PNP-14·2BH₃ (trans-1a) and PONOP-14·2BH₃ (trans-1b) were prepared from commercially available tert-butyldichlorophosphine using the seven-step synthesis outlined in Scheme 1. Amination of the starting material,¹⁰ enabled selective mono-alkylation (2, δ_³¹P 73.3) and following treatment with HCl chloro-tert-butyl-octen-7-yl-phosphine 3 (δ_³¹P 128.7) was obtained in 92% yield over three steps. Substitution of 3 by nucleophiles derived from the deprotonation of 2,6-dihydroxypyridine hydrochloride or 2,6-lutidine affords acyclic 4a (δ_³¹P 33.7) and 4b (δ_³¹P 144.7) as inseparable mixtures of diastereomers in 55% and 72% yield, respectively, after borane protection at −78 °C and purification by chromatography. Thereafter, olefin metathesis of 4a/b under dilute conditions (<4 mmol L⁻¹) using Grubbs' 1^st generation catalyst generated the corresponding macrocycles (cis-5a/b, δ_³¹P 33.8/144.8; trans-5a/b, δ_³¹P 34.0/143.4). The component diastereomers of 5a/b were separated using column chromatography and subsequently hydrogenated using Wilkinson's catalyst to produce the saturated derivatives (cis-1a/b, δ_³¹P 33.3/145.1; trans-1a/b, δ_³¹P 33.9/144.1). In this way trans-1a/b were obtained as analytically pure racemates, in practically useful overall yields of 14/22%, with their configurations confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction (Fig. 1).

Scheme 1 Preparation of PNP-14·2BH₃ (trans-1a) and PONOP-14·2BH₃ (trans-1b).

Fig. 1 Solid-state structures of trans-1a (left) and trans-1b (right). Thermal ellipsoids drawn at 50% probability; hexane solvent (trans-1b) omitted for clarity. Selected bond lengths (Å): trans-1a, P2–B2, 1.918(2), P3–B3, 1.922(2); trans-5b, P2–B2, 1.903(3), P3–B3, 1.898(3).

Deprotection

Deprotection of phosphine–boranes is commonly achieved by reactions with excess amine.¹¹ Gratifyingly, treatment of trans-1a with neat Et₂NH at 85 °C resulted in complete conversion to the free-base PNP-14 (δ_³¹P 4.5) within 36 h, which was subsequently isolated in quantitative yield on removal of volatiles. Reactions between trans-1b and Et₂NH under a range of conditions were, however, characterised by a significant degree of ligand decomposition that we ascribe to rupture of at least one of the P–O bonds.¹² Evaluation of a range of other deprotection methods¹³ gave similar outcomes (see ESI†) and consequently we have so far been unable to obtain pure samples of the free-base. Nevertheless, conditions under which PONOP-14 (δ_³¹P 146.5) can be generated in situ in 69–83% purity were identified: prolonged stirring of trans-1b (3.8 mmol L⁻¹) in 1 : 1 THF : Et₂NH at 19 °C.

Rhodium complexes

As convenient {Rh(pincer)}⁺ synthons, the synthesis of five coordinate derivatives [Rh(pincer)(biph)][BAr^F₄] (pincer = PNP-14, 6a; PONOP-14, 6b; biph = 2,2′-biphenyl; Ar^F = 3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃) were targeted (Scheme 2). Exploiting a rhodium(III) precursor first described by Jones,¹⁴ and informed by previous work in our laboratories,^7,15,166a/b were obtained as analytically pure materials in good isolated yield (79/69%) using a one-pot procedure involving substitution reactions of [Rh(biph)(dtbpm)Cl] (dtbpm = bis(di-tert-butylphosphino)methane) with isolated PNP-14 or in situ generated samples of PONOP-14 in the weakly coordinating solvent fluorobenzene¹⁷ and subsequent addition of Na[BAr^F₄] as a halide abstracting agent. Complexes 6a and 6b are characterised in solution by pairs of ³¹P resonances centred at δ 43.1 (¹J_RhP = 110 Hz)/38.4 (¹J_RhP = 113 Hz) and δ 191.1 (¹J_RhP = 110 Hz)/182.9 (¹J_RhP = 121 Hz), which display diagnostic trans-phosphine ²J_PP coupling of 339 and 372 Hz, respectively, and indicate adoption of C₁ symmetry. Whilst the acyclic congeners [Rh(pincer)(biph)][BAr^F₄] (pincer = PNP-tBu, 6a′; PONOP-tBu, 6b′) highlight the propensity for dynamic pseudorotation of the biph ligand on the NMR timescale,¹⁵ the tetradecamethylene linker appears to preclude such fluxionality in 6a/6b.

Scheme 2 Preparation of rhodium complexes of PNP-14 and PONOP-14.

The solid-state structures of 6a/6b demonstrate the adoption of distorted square pyramidal metal geometries, inferred from solution (Fig. 2). The methylene chains of the pincer ligands are skewed to one side of the basal plane, presumably to minimise steric buttressing with the biph ligand, and contorted to enable adoption of a weak γ-agostic interactions (R̲h̲1̲⋯H–C̲1̲2̲9̲ = 3.184(2) Å 6a; 2.925(5) Å, 6b).¹⁸ Agostic interactions of comparable magnitude are observed in 6a′/6b′ and closely related rhodium 2,2′-biphenyl complexes of a NHC-based macrocyclic pincer ligand.^7,15

Fig. 2 Solid-state structures of 6a (left), 6b (centre) and 9b (not unique, Z′ = 2; right). Thermal ellipsoids drawn at 50%, 30% and 30% probability, respectively; minor disordered component (9b, methylene chain) and anions omitted. Selected bond lengths (Å) and bond angles (°): 6a: Rh1–C4, 2.003(2); Rh1–C15, 2.028(2); Rh1–P2, 2.3340(4), Rh1–P3, 2.2801(4); Rh1–N101, 2.142(1); P2–Rh1–P3, 163.85(2); N101–M1–C15, 172.93(6); R̲h̲1̲⋯H–C̲1̲2̲9̲, 3.184(2); Rh1–P3–C130, 103.53(6); 6b: Rh1–C4, 2.065(5); Rh1–C15, 2.034(5); Rh1–P2, 2.330(1), Rh1–P3, 2.243(1); Rh1–N101, 2.091(4); P2–Rh1–P3, 159.89(5); N101–M1–C15, 171.2(2); R̲h̲1̲⋯H–C̲1̲2̲9̲, 2.925(5); Rh1–P3–C130, 103.0(2); 9b: Rh1–C4, 1.844(5); C4–O5, 1.141(7); Rh1–P2, 2.291(1); Rh1–P3, 2.256(1); Rh1–N101, 2.051(3); P2–Rh1–P3, 160.67(4); N101–Rh1–C4, 174.0(2); Rh11–C14, 1.846(6); C14–O15, 1.147(8); Rh11–P12, 2.288(2); Rh11–P13, 2.250(2); Rh11–N201, 2.034(4); P12–Rh11–P13, 161.16(7); N201–Rh11–C14, 172.0(3).

Reaction of 6a/b with dihydrogen (1 atm) in 1,2-difluorobenzene (DFB)¹⁷ resulted in hydrogenolysis of the biph ligand and formation of 7a/b [δ_³¹P 65.9 (¹J_RhP = 120 Hz)/δ_³¹P 211.5 (¹J_RhP = 127 Hz)], but elevated temperature and prolonged reactions times were required for complete conversion (t = 2 days/5 days at 85 °C, Scheme 2). In both cases, no organometallic intermediates were observed during this reaction and biphenyl was the sole by-product. The spectroscopic characteristics are consistent with formulation of 7a/b as C₂ symmetric rhodium(I) dihydrogen complexes, with broad 2H resonances at δ −10.76/−8.51 that exhibit short spin–lattice relaxation (T₁ = 45 ± 11/48 ± 6 ms) at 298 K (600 MHz, Ar) the most diagnostic.¹⁹ Subsequent reaction in situ with ethylene (1 atm) confers the corresponding C₂ symmetric π-complexes 8a/8b [δ_³¹P 53.0 (¹J_RhP = 125 Hz)/δ_³¹P 199.1 (¹J_RhP = 129 Hz)], with concomitant formation of ethane, in quantitative spectroscopic yield within 5 min at RT. Coordination of ethylene is substantiated by chemically inequivalent 2H signals at δ 3.70/3.52 and 3.95/3.70, and ¹³C resonances at δ 55.0 (¹J_RhC = 12 Hz) and 59.5 (¹J_RhC = 11 Hz), which display appreciable coupling to ¹⁰³Rh, for 8a and 8b respectively. Finally, C₂ symmetric carbonyl compounds 9a/b [δ_³¹P 67.5 (¹J_RhP = 122 Hz)/δ_³¹P 210.8 (¹J_RhP = 128 Hz)] are obtained by substitution of ethylene on reaction of 8a/b with carbon monoxide (1 atm <5 min at RT), isolated from solution in 96/72% yield overall from 6a/b and fully characterised, including in the case of 9b in the solid state by X-ray diffraction (Fig. 2). The ν(CO) bands of rhodium(I) carbonyl derivatives are diagnostic reporter groups for the donor properties of pincer ligands.^20,21 Comparison of the carbonyl bands of 9a/b with those of acyclic congeners 9a/b′,^15,22 recorded under the same conditions, suggests PNP-14 and PONOP-14 are marginally weaker net donors than PNP-tBu and PONOP-tBu, respectively (Table 1). By reference to IR data reported for [Rh(PNP-iPr)(CO)][BAr^F₄] (9a′′; PNP-iPr = 2,6-(iPr₂PCH₂)₂C₅H₃N) and trends established for monodentate phosphines, these minor differences are in line with changes in the phosphine/phosphinite substituents alone.^20,23

Table 1 Carbonyl stretching frequencies (CH₂Cl₂)

Pincer complex	ν(CO)/cm^−1
[Rh(PNP-14)(CO)][BAr^F4] 9a	1997
[Rh(PNP-tBu)(CO)][BAr^F4] 9a′ ^15	1990
[Rh(PNP-iPr)(CO)][BAr^F4] 9a′′ ^20	1998
[Rh(PONOP-14)(CO)][BAr^F4] 9b	2020
[Rh(PONOP-tBu)(CO)][BAr^F4] 9b′ ^15	2016

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Conclusions

An eight-step procedure for the synthesis of two macrocyclic phosphine-based pincer ligands, where the P-donors are trans-substituted with a tetradecamethylene linker, has been developed. These ligands are derived from lutidine (PNP-14) and 2,6-dihydroxypyridine (PONOP-14), with key steps involving borane protection, ring-closing olefin metathesis, chromatographic separation from the cis-substituted diastereomers, and borane deprotection. The final step was accomplished by borane transfer to diethylamine, but a non-trivial amount of decomposition could not be avoided in the case of the phosphinite pincer. The rhodium coordination chemistry of these ligands has been explored, with 2,2′-biphenyl (biph) complexes [Rh(PNP-14)(biph)][BAr^F₄] and [Rh(PONOP-14)(biph)][BAr^F₄] conveniently accessed by substitution reactions of [Rh(biph)(dtbpm)Cl] (dtbpm = bis(di-tert-butylphosphino)methane), followed by halide abstraction. These five-coordinate rhodium(III) complexes are well-defined synthons for the generation of rhodium(I) dihydrogen, ethylene and carbonyl derivatives, following hydrogenolysis of the biph ligand that serves as an ‘organometallic protecting group’. By comparison with the ν(CO) bands of rhodium(I) carbonyl adducts, determined by IR spectroscopy in CH₂Cl₂, PNP-14 and PONOP-14 can be considered to be marginally weaker net donors than their respective homoleptic tert-butyl substituted congeners PNP-tBu and PONOP-tBu, respectively.

Experimental

General methods

All manipulations were performed under an atmosphere of argon using Schlenk and glove box techniques unless otherwise stated. Glassware was oven dried at 150 °C overnight and flame-dried under vacuum prior to use. Molecular sieves were activated by heating at 300 °C in vacuo overnight. Dihydrogen and ethylene were dried by passage through a stainless-steel column of activated 3 Å molecular sieves prior to use. Fluorobenzene and 1,2-difluorobenzene (DFB) were pre-dried over Al₂O₃, distilled from calcium hydride and dried twice over 3 Å molecular sieves.¹⁷ CD₂Cl₂ was freeze–pump–thaw degassed and dried over 3 Å molecular sieves. C₆D₆ was distilled from sodium and stored over 3 Å molecular sieves. THF, dioxane, diethyl ether and benzene were distilled from sodium/benzophenone and stored over 3 Å molecular sieves. Et₂NH was distilled from CaH₂. SiMe₄ was distilled from liquid Na/K alloy and stored over a potassium mirror. Other anhydrous solvents were purchased from Acros Organics or Sigma-Aldrich, freeze–pump–thaw degassed and stored over 3 Å molecular sieves. LiHMDS was resublimed before use. nBuLi was titrated before use.²⁴ TMEDA was distilled from sodium/benzophenone and stored over 3 Å molecular sieves. Diethylamino-tert-butyl-chlorophosphine (yield = 98%),¹⁰ BrMgC₈H₁₅,²⁵ Wilkinson's catalyst,²⁶ Na[BAr^F₄],²⁷ and [Rh(biph)(dtbpm)Cl],¹⁴ were synthesised according to published procedures. All other reagents are commercial products and were used as received. NMR spectra were recorded on Bruker spectrometers under argon at 298 K unless otherwise stated. Chemical shifts are quoted in ppm and coupling constants in Hz. NMR spectra in DFB and THF : Et₂NH were recorded using an internal capillary of C₆D₆. ESI-MS were recorded on Bruker Maxis Plus (HR) or Agilent 6130B single Quad (LR) instruments. Infrared spectra were recorded on a Jasco FT-IR-4700 using a KBr transmission cell in CH₂Cl₂. Microanalyses were performed at the London Metropolitan University by Stephen Boyer.

Preparation of PNP-14·2BH₃ (trans-1a) and PONOP-14·2BH₃ (trans-1b)

Preparation of diethylamino-tert-butyl-octen-7-yl-phosphine 2. A solution of diethylamino-tert-butyl-chlorophosphine (3.19 g, 16.3 mmol) in THF (30 mL) was cooled to −78 °C and a solution of BrMgC₈H₁₅ (43 mL, 0.38 M) in THF added dropwise over 30 minutes. The suspension was allowed to warm to ambient temperature and stirred for 16 h. The solution was concentrated under vacuum and the product extracted into hexane. Dioxane (10 mL) was added and the resulting suspension filtered, to afford the product on removal of the volatiles in vacuo, which was carried forward without further purification. Yield: 4.21 g (95%).

¹ H NMR (600 MHz, C₆D₆): δ 5.80 (ddt, ³J_HH = 16.9, ³J_HH = 10.2, ³J_HH = 6.7, 1H, CH̲=CH₂), 5.02–5.08 (m, 1H, CH=CH̲₂), 4.98–5.01 (m, 1H, CH=CH̲₂), 2.90–2.97 (m, 4H, NCH₂), 1.98–2.04 (m, 2H, CH̲₂CH=CH₂), 1.72–1.78 (m, 1H, CH₂), 1.13–1.66 (m, 9H, CH₂), 1.06 (d, 9H, ³J_PH = 11.8, tBu), 1.00 (t, 6H, ³J_HH = 7.1, NCH₂CH̲₃).

¹³ C{ ¹ H} NMR (151 MHz, C₆D₆): δ 139.2 (s, C̲H=CH₂), 114.6 (s, CH=C̲H₂), 44.5 (br, NCH₂), 34.2 (s, C̲H₂CH=CH₂), 32.5 (d, ¹J_PC = 20, tBu{C}), 31.7 (d, J_PC = 12, CH₂), 29.5 (s, CH₂), 29.4 (s, CH₂), 27.6 (d, ²J_PC = 16, tBu{CH₃}), 26.6 (d, J_PC = 18, CH₂), 23.2 (d, ¹J_PC = 19, CH₂), 15.2 (d, ⁴J_PC = 2, NCH₂C̲H₃).

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (243 MHz, C₆D₆): δ 73.3 (s).

Preparation of chloro-tert-butyl-octen-7-yl-phosphine 3. HCl in diethyl ether (151 mL, 1 M, 151 mmol) was added to a solution of 2 (20.5 g, 75.5 mmol) in hexane (400 mL) at 0 °C. The suspension was allowed to warm to ambient temperature, stirred for 2 h and then allowed to stand for 16 h before being filtered. Analysis of the filtrate by ³¹P NMR spectroscopy indicated the partial formation of 3·HCl (δ_³¹P 46.9), which was subsequently deprotonated by addition a stoichiometric amount of LiHMDS (0.479 g, 2.86 mmol) suspended in hexane (10 mL). The resulting suspension was stirred for 1 h before allowing the precipitate to settle out, filtered and the product obtained on removal of the volatiles removed in vacuo, which was carried forward without further purification. Yield: 17.6 g (99%).

¹ H NMR (500 MHz, C₆D₆): δ 5.77 (ddt, ³J_HH = 16.8, ³J_HH = 10.0, ³J_HH = 6.5, 1H, CH̲=CH₂), 5.01–5.06 (m, 1H, CH=CH̲₂), 4.97–5.01 (m, 1H, CH=CH̲₂), 1.92–2.00 (m, 2H, CH̲₂CH=CH₂), 1.15–1.83 (m, 10H, CH₂), 0.99 (d, ³J_PH = 12.8, 9H, tBu).

¹³ C{ ¹ H} NMR (126 MHz, C₆D₆): δ 139.1 (s, C̲H=CH₂), 114.6 (s, CH=C̲H₂), 34.1 (s, C̲H₂CH=CH₂), 32.4 (d, ¹J_PC = 29, tBu{C}), 31.1 (d, J_PC = 11, CH₂), 30.7 (d, ¹J_PC = 36, CH₂), 29.2 (s, 2 × CH₂), 25.9 (d, J_PC = 15, CH₂), 25.5 (d, ²J_PC = 17, tBu{CH₃}).

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (162 MHz, C₆D₆): δ 128.7 (s).

Preparation of 4a. A solution of 2,6-lutidine (1.22 g, 11.4 mmol) and TMEDA (3.40 mL, 22.7 mmol) in diethyl ether (30 mL) at 0 °C was treated dropwise with nBuLi (13.7 mL, 1.66 M, 22.7 mmol). The reaction was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 16 h resulting in a deep red solution, which was cooled to −78 °C and treated with a solution of 3 (5.48 g, 23.3 mmol) in diethyl ether (60 mL), then warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2 days. The suspension was filtered, the filtrate reduced to dryness and the crude product extracted into hexane (50 mL). The resulting solution was washed with degassed water, dried over MgSO₄ and the solvent removed in vacuo to afford a colourless oil, which was redissolved in THF (150 mL), cooled to −78 °C, treated with BH₃·SMe₂ (1.10 mL, 11.6 mmol) and an aliquot analysed by ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. Additional BH₃·SMe₂ was then added portion-wise (0.40 mL, 4.2 mmol, then 0.60 mL, 6.3 mmol) at −78 °C until no free phosphine remained by ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. In air, the solution was treated with aqueous ammonium chloride (150 mL), extracted into ethyl acetate (150 mL), dried over MgSO₄ and the volatiles removed in vacuo. The product was obtained as a colourless oil after repeated purification by column chromatography as a mixture of diastereomers (10% EtOAc in hexane; R_F = 0.19). Yield: 3.30 g (55%).

¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.55 (t, ³J_HH = 7.7, 1H, py), 7.19–7.24 (m, 2H, py), 5.72–5.85 (m, 2H, CH̲=CH₂), 4.95–5.01 (m, 2H, CH=CH̲₂), 4.91–4.95 (m, 2H, CH=CH̲₂), 3.09–3.20 (m, 4H, pyCH̲₂), 1.97–2.06 (m, 4H, CH̲₂CH=CH₂), 1.67–1.85 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.49–1.62 (m, 4H, CH₂), 1.21–1.38 (m, 14H, CH₂), 1.16 (d, ³J_PH = 13.3, 7.3H, tBu), 1.12 (d, ³J_PH = 13.4, 10.7H, tBu), −0.05–0.77 (m, 6H, BH₃). Some peaks duplicated because of diastereomers.

¹³ C{ ¹ H} NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 154.4 (dd, ²J_PC = 6, ⁴J_PC = 1, py), 154.2 (dd, ²J_PC = 5, ⁴J_PC = 2, py), 138.97 (s, C̲H=CH₂) 138.96 (s, C̲H=CH₂), 136.8 (t, ⁴J_PC = 2, py), 136.7 (t, ⁴J_PC = 2, py), 123.3 (app t, J_PC = 3, py), 123.2 (app t, J_PC = 3, py), 114.5 (s, CH=C̲H₂), 33.8 (s, C̲H₂CH=CH₂), 31.74 (d, ²J_PC = 13, CH₂), 31.70 (d, ²J_PC = 13, CH₂), 31.39 (d, ¹J_PC = 26, pyC̲H₂), 31.34 (d, ¹J_PC = 26, pyC̲H₂), 28.91 (d, ¹J_PC = 38, tBu{C}), 28.90 (d, ¹J_PC = 31, tBu{C}), 28.90 (s, CH₂), 28.88 (s, CH₂), 28.8 (br, CH₂), 25.8 (t, ²J_PC = 2, tBu{CH₃}), 23.70 (s, CH₂), 23.67 (s, CH₂), 20.0 (d, ¹J_PC = 30, CH₂). Some peaks duplicated because of diastereomers.

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (162 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 33.7 (vbr, fwhm = 150 Hz).

HR ESI-MS (positive ion 4 kV): 554.4366, [M + Na]⁺ (calcd 554.4368) m/z.

Preparation of 4b. A suspension of 2,6-dihydroxypyridine hydrochloride (0.890 g, 6.01 mmol) and LiHMDS (3.03 g, 18.1 mmol) in THF (30 mL) was heated at reflux for 16 h. The resulting suspension was treated dropwise with a solution of 3 (2.90 g, 12.4 mmol) in THF (20 mL) and then heated at reflux for 16 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the crude product extracted into hexane, to afford a colourless oil on removal of the volatiles, which was redissolved in THF (50 mL), cooled to −78 °C, treated BH₃·SMe₂ (0.85 mL, 12 mmol) and an aliquot analysed by ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. Additional BH₃·SMe₂ was then added (0.12 mL, 1.27 mmol) at −78 °C until no free phosphine remained by ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. In air, the solution was treated with aqueous ammonium chloride (50 mL), extracted into ethyl acetate, dried over MgSO₄, filtered and the volatiles removed in vacuo. The product was obtained as a colourless oil after repeated purification by column chromatography as a mixture of diastereomers (2% EtOAc in hexane; R_F = 0.22). Yield: 2.31 g (72%).

¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.65 (t, ³J_HH = 7.9, 1H, py), 6.81 (d, ³J_HH = 7.9, 1.0H, py), 6.80 (d, ³J_HH = 7.9, 1.0H, py), 5.80 (ddt, ³J_HH = 16.9, ³J_HH = 10.3, ³J_HH = 6.7, 2H, CH̲=CH₂), 4.96–5.02 (m, 2H, CH=CH̲₂), 4.93 (d, ³J_HH = 10.1, 2H, CH=CH̲₂), 2.08–2.24 (m, 2H, CH₂), 2.04 (app q, ³J_HH = 7, 4H, CH̲₂CH=CH₂), 1.79–1.92 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.67–1.78 (m, 4H, CH₂), 1.33–1.47 (m, 12H, CH₂), 1.29 (d, ³J_PH = 14.1, 9.0H, tBu), 1.29 (d, ³J_HH = 14.2, 9.0H, tBu), 0.08–0.92 (m, 6H, BH₃). Some peaks duplicated because of diastereomers.

¹³ C{ ¹ H} NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 158.1 (app t, J_PC = 7, py), 142.09 (s, py), 142.05 (s, py), 139.07 (s, C̲H=CH₂), 139.06 (s, C̲H=CH₂), 114.5 (s, CH=C̲H₂), 111.0 (d, ³J_PC = 3, py), 110.8 (d, ³J_PC = 3, py), 33.84 (s, C̲H₂CH=CH₂), 33.83 (s, C̲H₂CH=CH₂), 32.84 (d, ¹J_PC = 36, tBu{C}), 32.78 (d, ¹J_PC = 36, tBu{C}), 31.4 (s, CH₂), 31.3 (s, CH₂), 28.90 (s, CH₂), 28.89 (s, CH₂), 28.80 (s, CH₂), 28.78 (s, CH₂), 25.5 (d, ¹J_PC = 31, CH₂), 25.4 (d, ¹J_PC = 31, CH₂), 24.94 (d, ²J_PC = 3, tBu{CH₃}), 24.92 (d, ²J_PC = 3, tBu{CH₃}), 23.01, (s, CH₂), 23.00 (s, CH₂). Some peaks duplicated because of diastereomers.

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (162 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 144.7 (vbr, fwhm = 160 Hz).

HR ESI-MS (positive ion 4 kV): 558.3953, [M + Na]⁺ (calcd 558.3950) m/z.

Preparation of 5a. A solution of 4a (3.30 g, 6.21 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (1.2 mmol L⁻¹, 5 L) was treated with 15 mol% [Ru(PCy₃)₂Cl₂(CHPh)] (0.77 g, 0.94 mmol) in 5 mol% portions in CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL) over 3 days with daily sparging with N₂ for 30 minutes. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the cis- and trans-diastereomers were separated as white solids by repeated purification by column chromatography in air (10% EtOAc in hexane).

cis-5a (R_F = 0.22). Yield: 553 mg (18%).

¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.55 (t, ³J_HH = 7.7, 1H, py), 7.23 (d, ³J_HH = 7.8, 2H, py), 5.27–5.41 (m, 2H, CH=CH), 3.07–3.21 (m, 4H, pyCH̲₂), 1.94–2.09 (m, 4H, CH̲₂CH=CH), 1.80–1.92 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.47–1.67 (m, 4H, CH₂), 1.23–1.45 (m, 14H, CH₂), 1.12 (d, ³J_PH = 13.3, 18H, tBu), 0.02–0.82 (m, 6H, BH₃).

¹³ C{ ¹ H} NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 154.5 (dd, ²J_PC = 6, ⁴J_PC = 2, py), 136.9 (t, ⁴J_PC = 1, py), 131.1 (s, CH=CH), 123.3 (app t, J_PC = 3, py), 32.1 (s, C̲H₂CH=CH), 31.2 (s, CH₂), 31.1 (d, ¹J_PC = 12, pyC̲H₂), 28.9 (d, ¹J_PC = 31, tBu{C}), 28.7 (s, CH₂), 27.5 (s, CH₂), 25.8 (d, ²J_PC = 2, tBu{CH₃}), 23.5 (s, CH₂), 19.3 (d, ¹J_PC = 30, CH₂).

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (162 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 33.8 (vbr, fwhm = 150 Hz).

HR ESI-MS (positive ion 4 kV): 526.4051, [M + Na]⁺ (calcd 526.4079) m/z.

trans-5a (R_F = 0.22). Yield: 840 mg (27%).

¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.54 (t, ³J_HH = 7.7, 1H, py), 7.17 (d, ³J_HH = 7.8, 2H, py), 5.23–5.41 (m, 2H, CH=CH), 3.07–3.20 (m, 4H, pyCH̲₂), 1.99–2.07 (m, 4H, CH̲₂CH=CH), 1.78–1.92 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.54–1.71 (m, 4H, CH₂), 1.28–1.51 (m, 14H, CH₂), 1.16 (d, ³J_PH = 13.2, 18H, tBu), −0.15–0.73 (m, 6H, BH₃).

¹³ C{ ¹ H} NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 154.5 (dd, ²J_PC = 5, ⁴J_PC = 2, py), 136.7 (t, ⁴J_PC = 2, py), 131.1 (s, CH=CH), 123.2 (app t, J_PC = 3, py), 31.9 (s, C̲H₂CH=CH), 31.0 (d, ²J_PC = 11, CH₂), 30.8 (d, ¹J_PC = 26, pyC̲H₂), 29.0 (d, ¹J_PC = 31, tBu{C}), 28.6 (s, CH₂), 27.2 (s, CH₂), 25.9 (d, ²J_PC = 2, tBu{CH₃}), 23.5 (s, CH₂), 19.8 (d, ¹J_PC = 30, CH₂).

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (162 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 34.0 (vbr, fwhm = 150 Hz).

HR ESI-MS (positive ion 4 kV): 526.4054, [M + Na]⁺ (calcd 526.4079) m/z.

Preparation of 5b. A solution of 4b (1.69 g, 3.16 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (3.2 mmol L⁻¹, 1 L) was treated with 20 mol% [Ru(PCy₃)₂Cl₂(CHPh)] (0.52 g, 0.63 mmol) in 5 mol% portions in CH₂Cl₂ (3 mL) over four days with daily sparging with N₂ for 30 minutes. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the cis- and trans-diastereomers were separated as white solids by repeated purification by column chromatography in air (2% EtOAc in hexane).

cis-5b (R_F = 0.21). Yield: 520 mg (33%).

¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.67 (t, ³J_HH = 7.9, 1H, py), 6.95 (d, ³J_HH = 8.0, 2H, py), 5.29–5.32 (m, 2H, CH=CH), 2.12–2.24 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.95–2.08 (m, 4H, CH̲₂CH=CH), 1.65–1.85 (m, 6H, CH₂), 1.30–1.48 (m, 12H, CH₂), 1.28 (d, ³J_PH = 14.1, 18H, tBu), 0.15–0.92 (m, 6H, BH₃). Data for major isomer only.

¹³ C{ ¹ H} NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 158.2 (d, ²J_PC = 5, py), 142.3 (s, py), 131.0 (s, CH=CH), 110.5 (d, ³J_PC = 3, py), 32.8 (d, ¹J_PC = 37, tBu{C}), 32.1 (s, C̲H₂CH=CH), 31.1 (d, ²J_PC = 14, CH₂), 28.7 (s, CH₂), 27.7 (s, CH₂), 25.5 (d, ¹J_PC = 31, CH₂), 24.9 (d, ²J_CH = 3, tBu{CH₃}), 22.8 (s, CH₂). Data for major isomer only.

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (162 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 144.8 (vbr, fwhm = 150 Hz).

HR ESI-MS (positive ion 4 kV): 530.3644, [M + Na]⁺ (calcd 530.3639) m/z.

trans-5b (R_F = 0.22). Yield: 540 mg (34%).

¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.63 (t, ³J_HH = 7.8, 1H, py), 6.76 (d, ³J_HH = 7.9, 2H, py), 5.29–5.33 (m, 2H, CH=CH), 2.16–2.33 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.96–2.09 (m, 4H, CH̲₂CH=CH), 1.83–1.92 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.32–1.46 (m, 4H, CH₂), 1.32–1.46 (m, 12H, CH₂), 1.28 (d, ³J_PH = 14.0, 18H, tBu), 0.11–0.85 (m, 6H, BH₃). Data for major isomer only.

¹³ C{ ¹ H} NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 158.2 (d, ²J_PC = 6, py), 142.0 (s, py), 131.2 (s, CH=CH), 110.1 (d, ³J_PC = 3, py), 32.8 (d, ¹J_PC = 37, tBu{C}), 31.8 (s, C̲H₂CH=CH), 31.2 (d, ²J_PC = 14, CH₂), 28.6 (s, CH₂), 27.5 (s, CH₂), 25.5 (d, ¹J_PC = 30, CH₂), 24.9 (d, ²J_PC = 3, tBu{CH₃}), 23.4 (s, CH₂). Data for major isomer only.

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (162 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 143.4 (vbr, fwhm = 180 Hz).

HR ESI-MS (positive ion 4 kV): 530.3634, [M + Na]⁺ (calcd 530.3639) m/z.

General procedure for the hydrogenation of 5. A suspension of 5 and [Rh(PPh₃)₃Cl] (5 mol%) in benzene was freeze–pump–thaw degassed and placed under dihydrogen (1 atm). The resulting solution was heated at reflux for 36 h, reduced to dryness in vacuo, and the product obtained following purification by column chromatography in air.

cis-1a (20% EtOAc in hexane, R_F = 0.20).

Following the general procedure using cis-5a (80.0 mg, 0.159 mmol) and [Rh(PPh₃)₃Cl] (7.4 mg, 8.0 μmol) in benzene (5 mL), the product was isolated as a white solid. Yield: 73.8 mg (92%).

¹ H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.55 (t, ³J_HH = 7.7, 1H, py), 7.32 (d, ³J_HH = 7.8, 2H, py), 3.16 (app d, ²J_PH = 12, 4H, pyCH̲₂), 1.71–1.82 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.47–1.60 (m, 4H, CH₂), 1.21–1.39 (m, 22H, CH₂), 1.12 (d, ³J_PH = 13.3, 18H, tBu), 0.11–0.72 (br, 6H, BH₃).

¹³ C{ ¹ H} NMR (151 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 153.8 (dd, ²J_PC = 4, ⁴J_PC = 2, py), 136.6 (t, ⁴J_PC = 2, py), 123.5 (app t, J_PC = 3, py), 31.5 (d, ¹J_PC = 26, pyC̲H₂), 30.7 (d, ²J_PC = 13, CH₂), 28.9 (d, ¹J_PC = 31, tBu{C}), 28.0 (s, CH₂), 27.87 (s, CH₂), 27.85 (s, CH₂), 27.8 (s, CH₂), 25.7 (d, ²J_PC = 2, tBu{CH₃}), 22.7 (d, ³J_PC = 2, CH₂), 20.4 (d, ¹J_PC = 31, CH₂).

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (243 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 33.3 (vbr, fwhm = 130 Hz).

HR ESI-MS (positive ion 4 kV): 528.4204, [M + Na]⁺ (calcd 528.4211) m/z.

trans-1a (20% EtOAc in hexane, R_F = 0.19).

Following the general procedure using trans-5a (840 mg, 1.67 mmol) and [Rh(PPh₃)₃Cl] (77.2 mg, 83.4 μmol) in benzene (50 mL), the product was isolated as a white solid. Yield: 818 mg (97%).

¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.55 (t, ³J_HH = 7.7, 1H, py), 7.21 (d, ³J_HH = 7.8, 2H, py), 3.13–3.28 (m, 4H, pyCH̲₂), 1.75–1.86 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.52–1.68 (m, 4H, CH₂) 1.38–1.50 (m, 4H, CH₂), 1.26–1.35 (m, 18H, CH₂), 1.10 (d, ³J_PH = 13.3, 18H, tBu), 0.05–0.77 (m, 6H, BH₃).

¹³ C{ ¹ H} NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 154.7 (dd, ²J_PC = 6, ⁴J_PC = 1, py), 136.8 (t, ⁴J_PC = 2, py), 123.0 (app t, J_PC = 3, py), 31.5 (d, ¹J_PC = 26, pyC̲H₂), 30.8 (d, ²J_PC = 13, CH₂), 29.1 (d, ¹J_PC = 31, tBu{C}), 27.91 (s, CH₂), 27.89 (s, CH₂), 27.74 (s, CH₂), 27.71 (s, CH₂), 25.9 (d, ²J_PC = 2, tBu{CH₃}), 22.9 (d, ³J_PC = 1, CH₂), 20.1 (d, ¹J_PC = 31, CH₂).

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (162 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 33.9 (vbr, fwhm = 150 Hz).

HR ESI-MS (positive ion 4 kV): 528.4209, [M + Na]⁺ (calcd 528.4211) m/z.

Anal. Calcd for C₂₉H₅₉B₂NP₂ (505.37 g mol⁻¹): C, 68.92; H, 11.77; N, 2.77; Found: C, 68.76; H 11.82; N, 2.69.

cis-1b (30% CH₂Cl₂ in hexane, R_F = 0.19).

Following the general procedure using cis-5b (315 mg, 0.620 mmol) and [Rh(PPh₃)₃Cl] (27.2 mg, 29.4 μmol) in benzene (30 mL), the product was isolated as a white solid. Yield: 287 mg (91%).

¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.67 (t, ³J_HH = 7.9, 1H, py), 6.98 (d, ³J_HH = 7.9, 2H, py), 2.12–2.25 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.63–1.82 (m, 6H, CH₂), 1.27 (d, ³J_PH = 14, 18H, tBu), 1.25–1.49 (m, 20H, CH₂), 0.14–0.88 (m, 6H, BH₃).

¹³ C{ ¹ H} NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 158.2 (d, ²J_PC = 5, py), 142.2 (s, py), 110.8 (d, ³J_PC = 3, py), 32.9 (d, ¹J_PC = 36, tBu{C}), 30.6 (d, ²J_PC = 13, CH₂), 27.8 (s, 2 × CH₂), 27.5 (s, CH₂), 27.3 (s, CH₂), 25.2 (d, ¹J_PC = 32, CH₂), 24.9 (d, ²J_PC = 3, tBu{CH₃}), 22.1 (s, CH₂).

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (162 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 145.1 (vbr, fwhm = 142 Hz).

HR ESI-MS (positive ion 4 kV): 532.3791, [M + Na]⁺ (calcd 532.3796) m/z.

trans-1b (30% CH₂Cl₂ in hexane, R_F = 0.20).

Following the general procedure using trans-5b (620 mg, 1.22 mmol) and [Rh(PPh₃)₃Cl] (56.5 mg, 61.1 μmol) in benzene (50 mL), the product was isolated as a white. Yield: 623 mg (95%).

¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.64 (t, ³J_HH = 7.8, 1H, py), 6.81 (d, ³J_HH = 7.9, 2H, py), 2.13–2.29 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.85–1.96 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.69–1.83 (m, 4H, CH₂), 1.38–1.47 (m, 4H, CH₂), 1.28 (d, ³J_PH = 13.9, 18H, tBu), 1.23–1.37 (m, 12H, CH₂), 0.11–0.99 (m, 6H, BH₃).

¹³ C{ ¹ H} NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 158.2 (d, ²J_PC = 6, py), 142.1 (s, py), 110.2 (d, ³J_PC = 3, py), 32.9 (d, ¹J_PC = 36, tBu{C}), 30.8 (d, ²J_PC = 13, CH₂), 27.7 (s, CH₂), 27.52 (s, CH₂), 27.47 (s, CH₂), 26.9 (s, CH₂), 25.5 (d, ¹J_PC = 31, CH₂), 25.0 (d, ²J_PC = 3, tBu{CH₃}), 22.7 (s, CH₂).

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (162 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 144.1 (vbr, fwhm = 155 Hz).

HR ESI-MS (positive ion 4 kV): 532.3804, [M + Na]⁺ (calcd 532.3795) m/z.

Anal. Calcd for C₂₇H₅₅B₂NO₂P₂ (509.31 g mol⁻¹): C, 63.67; H, 10.89; N, 2.75; Found: C, 63.66; H, 11.03; N, 2.74.

Preparation of PNP-14

A solution of trans-1a in Et₂NH (0.5 mL) was heated at 85 °C for 2 days within a J Young's valve NMR tube. Quantitative conversion was observed by ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. The volatiles were removed in vacuo to afford the product as a colourless oil, which was carried forward without further purification.

¹ H NMR (500 MHz, C₆D₆): δ 7.08 (t, ³J_HH = 7.7, 1H, py), 6.90 (d, ³J_HH = 7.7, 2H, py), 3.04 (d, ²J_HH = 13.0, 2H, pyCH̲₂), 2.87 (dd, ²J_HH = 13.0, ²J_PH = 2.9, 2H, pyCH̲₂), 1.50–1.57 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.38–1.49 (m, 8H, CH₂), 1.27–1.38 (m, 18H, CH₂), 1.03 (d, ³J_PH = 11, 18H, tBu).

¹³ C{ ¹ H} NMR (126 MHz, C₆D₆): δ 160.4 (d, ²J_PC = 8, py), 136.0 (s, py), 120.5 (dd, ³J_PC = 6, ⁵J_PC = 2, py), 35.5 (d, ¹J_PC = 24, pyC̲H₂), 30.8 (d, ¹J_PC = 12, tBu{C}), 28.5 (s, CH₂), 28.2 (s, CH₂), 28.1 (s, CH₂), 28.0 (s, CH₂), 27.6 (d, ²J_PC = 14, tBu{CH₃}), 27.3 (s, CH₂), 27.1 (s, CH₂), 24.4 (d, ¹J_PC = 20, CH₂).

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (121 MHz, C₆D₆): δ 4.5 (s).

LR ESI-MS (positive ion, 4 kV): 532.5, [M]⁺ (calcd 532.3) m/z.

Preparation of PONOP-14

A solution of trans-1b (11.7 mg, 23.0 μmol) in THF (3 mL) was treated with an equal volume of Et₂NH (3 mL) and the resulting solution stirred at 19 °C for 8 days. The volatiles were removed in vacuo to afford the product as a yellow oil in 65–84% purity, as determined by ³¹P NMR spectroscopy, which was carried forward without further purification.

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (162 MHz, THF : HNEt₂, selected data): δ 146.5 (s).

Preparation of [Rh(PNP-14)(biph)][BAr^F₄] (6a)

A suspension of PNP-14 (16.1 mg, 33.7 μmol) and [Rh(biph)(dtbpm)Cl] (20.0 mg, 33.6 μmol) in PhF (0.50 mL) was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 h. Na[BAr^F₄] (29.8 mg, 33.6 μmol) was added and the suspension stirred for a further 4 h before the volatiles were removed in vacuo. The resulting orange oil was washed with pentane (2 × 1 mL), dried in vacuo and extracted into CH₂Cl₂ (2 mL)_. The product was obtained as an orange crystalline solid by slow cooling of CH₂Cl₂ : hexane (1 : 20) solution to −30 °C. Yield: 42.6 mg (79%).

¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 7.95 (t, ³J_HH = 7.9, 1H, py), 7.70–7.76 (m, 8H, Ar^F), 7.59–7.68 (m, 4H, 2 × py + 2 × biph), 7.56 (br, 4H, Ar^F), 7.48 (d, ³J_HH = 7.6, 1H, biph), 7.10–7.26 (m, 2H, biph), 6.98 (t, ³J_HH = 7.3, 1H, biph), 6.50 (t, ³J_HH = 7.6, 1H, biph), 5.63 (d, ³J_HH = 8.2, 1H, biph), 3.85–4.04 (m, 2H, pyCH̲₂), 3.51–3.76 (m, 2H, pyCH̲₂), 2.66–2.78 (m, 1H, CH₂), 2.05–2.24 (m, 1H, CH₂), 1.74–1.83 (m, 1H, CH₂), 1.40–1.70 (m, 10H, CH₂), 1.18–1.39 (m, 7H, CH₂), 1.16 (d, ³J_PH = 13.3, 9H, tBu), 0.96–1.09 (m, 4H, CH₂), 0.66–0.87 (m, 3H, CH₂), 0.51 (d, ³J_PH = 15, 9H, tBu), 0.19–0.35 (m, 1H, CH₂).

¹³ C{ ¹ H} NMR (126 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 162.5 (app t, J_PC = 5, py), 162.3 (q, ¹J_CB = 50, Ar^F), 162.1 (app t, J_PC = 3, py), 161.7 (obscured, biph), 152.3 (d app t, ¹J_RhC = 44, ²J_PC = 7, biph), 151.2 (s, biph), 148.9 (s, biph), 140.5 (s, py), 135.4 (s, Ar^F), 133.9 (s, biph), 129.6 (s, biph), 129.4 (qq, ²J_FC = 32, ³J_CB = 3, Ar^F), 128.5 (s, biph), 126.7 (s, biph), 125.2 (q, ¹J_FC = 272, Ar^F), 125.1 (s, biph), 124.1 (s, biph), 123.5 (d, ³J_PC = 8, py), 123.4 (d, ³J_PC = 10, py), 122.4 (s, biph), 121.9 (s, biph), 118.0 (sept, ³J_FC = 4, Ar^F), 40.1 (d, ¹J_PC = 23, pyC̲H₂), 38.7 (d, ¹J_PC = 19, pyC̲H₂), 34.4 (dd, ¹J_PC = 16, ³J_PC = 5, tBu{C}), 33.0 (ddd, ¹J_PC = 20, ³J_PC = 5, ²J_RhC = 2, tBu{C}), 32.0 (d, ²J_PC = 14, CH₂), 30.3 (s, CH₂), 29.7 (s, CH₂), 29.54 (s, CH₂), 29.51 (s, CH₂), 29.43 (d, ²J_PC = 4, tBu{CH₃}), 29.37 (s, CH₂), 29.3 (s, CH₂), 28.0 (s, CH₂), 27.3 (s, CH₂), 26.2 (d, ¹J_PC = 21, PCH₂), 25.7 (s, tBu{CH₃}), 25.6 (obscured, CH₂), 24.9 (s, CH₂), 24.6 (s, CH₂), 21.0 (d app t, ¹J_PC = 16, J = 2, PCH₂).

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (162 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 43.1 (dd, ²J_PP = 339, ¹J_RhP = 110, 1P), 38.4 (dd, ²J_PP = 339, ¹J_RhP = 113, 1P).

HR ESI-MS (positive ion, 4 kV): 732.3329, [M]⁺ (calcd 732.3329) m/z.

Anal. Calcd for C₇₃H₇₃BF₂₄NP₂Rh (1596.02 g mol⁻¹): C, 54.94; H, 4.61; N, 0.88; Found: C, 54.89; H, 4.80; N, 0.86.

Preparation of [Rh(PONOP-14)(biph)][BAr^F₄] (6b)

A suspension of PONOP-14 (17.8 μmol, generated in situ as described above) and [Rh(biph)(dtbpm)Cl] (10.6 mg, 17.8 μmol) in PhF (0.5 mL) was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 h. Na[BAr^F₄] (15.8 mg, 17.8 μmol) was added and the suspension stirred for a further 4 h before the volatiles were removed in vacuo. The resulting orange oil was washed with pentane (2 × 1 mL), dried in vacuo and extracted into CH₂Cl₂ (2 mL). The product was recrystallised by slow diffusion of hexane into a CH₂Cl₂ solution (1 : 20). Yield: 19.6 mg (69%).

¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 8.11 (t, ³J_HH = 8.2, 1H, py), 7.70–7.76 (m, 8H, Ar^F), 7.65 (d, ³J_HH = 7.3, 1H, biph), 7.56 (br, 4H, Ar^F), 7.54 (obscured, 1H, biph), 7.47 (d, ³J_HH = 7.2, 1H, biph), 7.16–7.21 (m, 2H, biph), 7.15 (d, ³J_HH = 8.2, 1H, py), 7.10 (d, ³J_HH = 8.2, 1H, py), 7.06 (t, ³J_HH = 7.4, 1H, biph), 6.56 (t, ³J_HH = 7.7, 1H, biph), 5.32 (d, ³J_HH = 8.8, 1H, biph), 2.64–2.86 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.85–2.08 (m, 3H, CH₂), 1.60–1.78 (m, 4H, CH₂), 1.29 (d, ³J_PH = 14.6, 9H, tBu), 1.00–1.58 (m, 13H, CH₂), 0.84–0.96 (m, 1H, CH₂), 0.65–0.83 (m, 3H, CH₂), 0.62 (d, ³J_PH = 17.4, 9H, tBu), 0.37–0.48 (m, 2H, CH₂).

¹³ C{ ¹ H} NMR (126 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 162.7 (dd, ²J_PC = 6, ⁴J_PC = 2, py), 162.3 (q, ¹J_CB = 50, Ar^F), 161.5 (dd, ²J_PC = 6, ⁴J_PC = 2, py), 159.1 (ddd, ¹J_RhC = 32, ²J_PC = 11, ²J_PC = 5, biph), 151.9 (ddd, ¹J_RhC = 43, ²J_PC = 9, ²J_PC = 7, biph), 151.2 (s, biph), 149.1 (br, biph), 147.2 (s, py), 135.4 (s, Ar^F), 133.9 (s, biph), 129.4 (qq, ²J_FC = 32, ³J_CB = 3, Ar^F), 129.35 (s, biph), 128.3 (s, biph), 127.6 (biph), 126.2 (s, biph), 125.2 (q, ¹J_FC = 272, Ar^F), 125.0 (s, biph), 123.3 (s, biph), 122.5 (s, biph), 118.0 (sept, ³J_FC = 4, Ar^F), 106.1 (d, ³J_PC = 4, py), 105.7 (d, ³J_PC = 5, py), 41.6 (dd, ¹J_PC = 9, ²J_RhC = 7, tBu{C}), 38.1 (ddd, ¹J_PC = 17.8, ³J_PC = 7, ²J_PC = 3, tBu{C}), 35.8 (d, J_PC = 11, CH₂), 31.3 (s, CH₂), 30.9 (dd, ¹J_PC = 15, ³J_PC = 3, PCH₂), 30.7 (s, CH₂), 30.5 (s, CH₂), 30.3 (s, CH₂), 30.0 (s, CH₂), 29.2 (s, CH₂), 28.6 (s, CH₂), 28.2 (s, CH₂), 28.0 (d, J_PC = 7, CH₂), 27.5 (d, ²J_PC = 5, tBu{CH₃}), 25.0 (d app t, ¹J_PC = 14, J = 3, PCH₂), 24.4 (d, ²J_PC = 4, tBu{CH₃}), 24.2 (d, J_PC = 4, CH₂), 23.7 (s, CH₂).

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (162 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 191.1 (dd, ²J_PP = 373, ¹J_RhP = 110, 1P), 182.9 (dd, ²J_PP = 373, ¹J_RhP = 121, 1P).

HR ESI-MS (positive ion, 4 kV): 736.2909, [M]⁺ (calcd 736.2914) m/z.

Anal. Calcd for C₇₁H₆₉BF₂₄NO₂P₂Rh (1599.96 g mol⁻¹): C, 53.30; H, 4.35; N, 0.88; Found: C, 53.12; H, 4.48; N, 0.86.

General procedure for in situ synthesis of dihydrogen complexes 7

A solution of 6 in DFB (0.5 mL) was freeze–pump–thaw degassed and placed under dihydrogen (1 atm) within a J Young's valve NMR tube and heated at 85 °C to afford the corresponding dihydrogen complex, which was characterised in situ under dihydrogen, and biphenyl.

[Rh(PNP-14)(H₂)][BAr^F₄] (7a). Following the general procedure using 6a (16.0 mg, 10.0 μmol) and heating for 2 days at 85 °C gave quantitative conversion to 7a by ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy.

¹ H NMR (500 MHz, DFB, H₂): δ 8.09–8.15 (m, 8H, Ar^F), 7.54 (t, ³J_HH = 7.8, 1H, py), 7.49 (br, 4H, Ar^F), 7.22 (obscured 2H, py), 3.46 (dvt, ²J_HH = 17.7, J_PH = 4, 2H, pyCH̲₂), 3.23 (dvt, ²J_HH = 17.7, J_PH = 4, 2H, pyCH̲₂), 1.51–1.71 (m, 10H, CH₂), 1.14–1.41 (m, 18H, CH₂), 0.94 (vt, J_PH = 8, 18H, tBu), −10.43 (vbr, fwhm ∼800 Hz, 2H, RhH).

¹³ C{ ¹ H} NMR (126 MHz, DFB, H₂): δ 164.1 (vt, J_PC = 5, py), 162.3 (q, ¹J_CB = 50, Ar^F), 140.1 (s, py), 135.4 (s, Ar^F), 129.6 (qq, ²J_FC = 32, ³J_CB = 3, Ar^F), 125.2 (q, ¹J_FC = 272, Ar^F), 121.1 (vt, J_PC = 5, py), 117.6 (sept, ³J_FC = 4, Ar^F), 37.9 (vt, J_PC = 9, pyC̲H₂), 32.0 (vt, J_PC = 12, tBu{C}), 28.7 (vt, J_PC = 4, CH₂), 28.5 (s, CH₂), 28.4 (s, CH₂), 28.0 (s, CH₂), 27.0 (s, CH₂), 26.4 (vt, J_PC = 3, tBu{CH₃}), 24.7 (vt, J_PC = 3, CH₂), 20.8 (vtd, J_PC = 12, ²J_RhC = 2, PCH₂).

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (162 MHz, DFB, H₂): δ 65.9 (d, ¹J_RhP = 120).

¹ H NMR (600 MHz, DFB, selected data under argon): δ −10.76 (vbr, fwhm = 60 Hz, T₁ = 45 ± 11 ms, 2H, RhH).

[Rh(PONOP-14)(H₂)][BAr^F₄] (7b). Following the general procedure using 6b (12.0 mg, 7.50 μmol) and heating for 5 days at 85 °C gave quantitative conversion to 7b by ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy.

¹ H NMR (500 MHz, DFB, H₂): δ 8.09–8.15 (m, 8H, Ar^F), 7.63 (t, ³J_HH = 8.2, 1H, py), 7.49 (br, 4H, Ar^F), 6.63 (obscured 2H, py), 2.03–2.18 (m, 4H, CH₂), 1.53–1.78 (m, 6H, CH₂), 1.15–1.41 (m, 18H, CH₂), 1.11 (vt, J_PH = 8, 18H, tBu), −8.65 (vbr, fwhm = 100 Hz, 2H, RhH).

¹³ C{ ¹ H} NMR (126 MHz, DFB, H₂): δ 163.5 (br, py), 162.3 (q, ¹J_CB = 50, Ar^F), 145.9 (s, py), 135.4 (s, Ar^F), 129.6 (qq, ²J_FC = 32, ³J_CB = 3, Ar^F), 125.2 (q, ¹J_FC = 272, Ar^F), 117.6 (sept, ³J_FC = 4, Ar^F), 103.3 (vt, J_PC = 3, py), 37.6 (vt, J_PC = 12, tBu{C}), 29.0 (br, CH₂), 28.5 (s, CH₂), 28.1 (s, CH₂), 28.0 (s, CH₂), 27.5 (vt, J_PC = 9, PCH₂), 27.3 (s, CH₂), 24.7 (vt, J_PC = 4, tBu{CH₃}), 23.9 (vt, J_PC = 3, CH₂).

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (162 MHz, DFB, H₂): δ 211.5 (d, ¹J_RhP = 127).

¹ H NMR (600 MHz, DFB, selected data under argon): δ −8.51 (vbr d, fwhm = 60 Hz, ¹J_RhH = 21, T₁ = 48 ± 6 ms, 2H, RhH).

General procedure for in situ synthesis of ethylene complexes 8

A solution of 7 in DFB (0.5 mL) was freeze–pump–thaw degassed and placed under ethylene (1 atm) within a J Young's valve NMR tube to afford the corresponding ethylene complex, which was characterised in situ under ethylene. All spectra contained ethane (δ_¹H 0.70).

[Rh(PNP-14)(C₂H₄)][BAr^F₄] (8a). Following the general procedure using 7a (10 μmol, generated in situ as described above) gave quantitative conversion to 8a by ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy within 5 minutes at room temperature.

¹ H NMR (500 MHz, DFB, C₂H₄): δ 8.09–8.15 (m, 8H, Ar^F), 7.51 (t, ³J_HH = 8.0, 1H, py), 7.49 (br, 4H, Ar^F), 7.15 (obscured, 2H, py), 3.70 (br, 2H, C₂H₄), 3.52 (br, 2H, C₂H₄), 3.31 (dvt, ²J_HH = 17.3, J_PH = 4, 2H, pyCH̲₂), 3.22 (dvt, ²J_HH = 17.4, J_PH = 4, 2H, pyCH̲₂), 1.72–1.93 (m, 4H, CH₂), 1.55–1.67 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.39–1.50 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.07–1.37 (m, 20H, CH₂), 0.83 (vt, J_PH = 7, 18H, tBu).

¹³ C{ ¹ H} NMR (126 MHz, DFB, C₂H₄): δ 162.9 (vt, J_PH = 5, py), 162.3 (q, ¹J_CB = 50, Ar^F), 140.1 (s, py), 135.1 (s, Ar^F), 129.6 (qq, ²J_FC = 32, ³J_CB = 3, Ar^F), 125.2 (q, ¹J_FC = 272, Ar^F), 120.7 (vt, J_PC = 5, py), 117.6 (sept, ³J_FC = 4, Ar^F), 55.0 (d, ¹J_RhC = 12, C₂H₄), 37.5 (vt, J_PC = 8, pyC̲H₂), 32.8 (vt, J_PC = 10, tBu{C}), 29.5 (vt, J_PC = 4, CH₂), 29.3 (s, CH₂), 28.7 (s, CH₂), 28.2 (s, CH₂), 27.9 (s, CH₂), 26.6 (vt, J_PC = 3, tBu{CH₃}), 24.1 (s, CH₂), 21.9 (vt, J_PC = 10, PCH₂).

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (162 MHz, DFB, C₂H₄): δ 53.0 (d, ¹J_RhP = 125).

[Rh(PONOP-14)(C₂H₄)][BAr^F₄] (8b). Following the general procedure using 7b (7.5 μmol, generated in situ as described above) gave quantitative conversion to 8a by ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy within 5 minutes at room temperature.

¹ H NMR (500 MHz, DFB, C₂H₄): δ 8.09–8.15 (m, 8H, Ar^F), 7.61 (t, ³J_HH = 8.1, 1H, py), 7.49 (br, 4H, Ar^F), 6.59 (obscured 2H, py), 3.95 (br, 2H, C₂H₄), 3.70 (br, 2H, C₂H₄), 2.19–2.29 (m, 2H, CH₂), 2.05–2.16 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.74–1.86 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.46–1.60 (m, 4H, CH₂), 1.02–1.45 (m, 18H, CH₂), 0.96 (vt, J_PH = 8, 18H, tBu).

¹³ C{ ¹ H} NMR (126 MHz, DFB, C₂H₄): δ 162.8 (vt, J_PC = 3, py), 162.3 (q, ¹J_CB = 50, Ar^F), 145.3 (s, py), 135.1 (s, Ar^F), 129.6 (qq, ²J_FC = 32, ³J_CB = 3, Ar^F), 125.2 (q, ¹J_FC = 272, Ar^F), 117.6 (sept, ³J_FC = 4, Ar^F), 103.2 (vt, J_PC = 3, py), 59.5 (d, ¹J_RhC = 11, C₂H₄), 39.1 (vt, J_PC = 10, tBu{C}), 30.0 (vt, J_PC = 2, CH₂), 28.7 (s, CH₂), 28.6 (s, CH₂), 28.5 (s, CH₂), 28.4 (s, CH₂), 27.3 (vtd, J_PC = 8, ²J_RhC = 2, PCH₂), 24.9 (vt, J_PC = 3, tBu{CH₃}), 23.7 (s, CH₂).

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (162 MHz, DFB, C₂H₄): δ 199.1 (d, ¹J_RhP = 129).

General procedure for the preparation of carbonyl complexes 9

A solution of 8 in DFB (0.5 mL) was freeze–pump–thaw degassed and placed under carbon monoxide (1 atm) within a J Young's valve NMR tube, resulting in an immediate colour change. The volatiles were removed in vacuo, and the resulting yellow solid washed and dried in vacuo.

Preparation of [Rh(PNP-14)(CO)][BAr^F₄] (9a). Following the general procedure using 8a (10 μmol, generated in situ as described above), washing with hexane afforded the pure product as a yellow solid. Yield: 14.1 mg (96%).

¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 7.79 (t, ³J_HH = 7.8, 1H, py), 7.70–7.76 (m, 8H, Ar^F), 7.56 (br, 4H, Ar^F), 7.42 (d, ³J_HH = 7.9, 2H, py), 3.70 (dvt, ²J_HH = 17.5, J_PH = 4, 2H, pyCH̲₂), 3.56 (dvt, ²J_HH = 17.5, J_PH = 4, 2H, pyCH̲₂), 2.02–2.09 (m, 4H, CH₂), 1.78–1.98 (m, 4H, CH₂), 1.63–1.75 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.49–1.63 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.21–1.49 (m, 16H, CH₂), 1.13 (vt, J_PH = 8, 18H, tBu).

¹³ C{ ¹ H} NMR (126 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 194.7 (dt, ¹J_RhC = 70, ²J_PC = 13, CO), 163.8 (vtd, J_PC = 5, ²J_RhC = 1, py), 162.3 (q, ¹J_CB = 50, Ar^F), 141.6 (s, py), 135.4 (s, Ar^F), 129.4 (qq, ²J_FC = 32, ³J_CB = 3, Ar^F), 125.2 (q, ¹J_FC = 272, Ar^F), 122.1 (vt, J_PC = 5, py), 118.0 (sept, ³J_FC = 4, Ar^F), 38.7 (vt, J_PC = 9, pyC̲H₂), 33.9 (vt, J_PC = 12, tBu{C}), 30.3 (vt, J_PC = 4, CH₂), 29.3 (s, CH₂), 28.94 (s, CH₂), 28.88 (s, CH₂) 28.4 (s, CH₂), 27.8 (vt, J_PC = 3, tBu{CH₃}), 26.2 (s, CH₂), 23.2 (vtd, J_PC = 12, ²J_RhC = 3, PCH₂).

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (162 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 67.5 (d, ¹J_RhP = 122).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): ν(CO) 1997 cm⁻¹.

HR ESI-MS (positive ion, 4 kV): 608.2653, [M]⁺ (calcd 608.2652) m/z.

Anal. Calcd for C₆₂H₆₅BF₂₄NOP₂Rh (1471.83 g mol⁻¹): C, 50.60; H, 4.45; N, 0.95 Found: C, 50.53; H, 4.47; N, 1.08.

[Rh(PONOP-14)(CO)][BAr^F₄] (9b). Following the general procedure using 8b (7.5 μmol, generated in situ as described above), washing with hexane afforded the pure product as a yellow solid. Crystals suitable for X-ray crystallography were grown by the slow diffusion of SiMe₄ into CH₂Cl₂ at −30 °C. Yield: 8.0 mg (72%).

¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 7.91 (t, ³J_HH = 8.2, 1H, py), 7.70–7.76 (m, 8H, Ar^F), 7.56 (br, 4H, Ar^F), 6.86 (d, ³J_HH = 8.2, 2H, py), 2.40–2.60 (m, 4H, CH₂), 1.76–1.98 (m, 6H, CH₂), 1.52–1.65 (m, 3H, CH₂), 1.11–1.48 (m, 15H, CH₂), 1.29 (vt, J_PH = 8, 18H, tBu).

¹³ C{ ¹ H} NMR (126 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 193.2 (dt, ¹J_RhC = 71, ²J_PC = 13, CO), 163.1 (vt, J_PC = 3, py), 162.3 (q, ¹J_CB = 50, Ar^F), 147.7 (s, py), 135.4 (s, Ar^F), 129.5 (qq, ²J_FC = 32, ³J_CB = 3, Ar^F), 125.2 (q, ¹J_FC = 272, Ar^F), 118.0 (sept, ³J_FC = 4, Ar^F), 104.5 (vt, J_PC = 3, py), 39.9 (vtd, J_PC = 11, ²J_RhC = 2, tBu{C}), 30.9 (vt, J_PC = 2, CH₂), 29.5 (vtd, J_PC = 9, ²J_RhC = 3, PCH₂), 29.3 (s, CH₂), 29.1 (s, 2 × CH₂), 28.8 (s, CH₂), 26.1 (vt, J_PC = 4, tBu{CH₃}), 25.1 (vt, J_PC = 2, CH₂).

³¹ P{ ¹ H} NMR (162 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 210.8 (d, ¹J_RhP = 128).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): ν(CO) 2020 cm⁻¹.

HR ESI-MS (positive ion, 4 kV): 612.2228, [M]⁺ (calcd 612.2237) m/z.

Anal. Calcd for C₆₀H₆₁BF₂₄NO₃P₂Rh (1475.78 g mol⁻¹): C, 48.83; H, 4.17; N, 0.95 Found: C, 48.91; H, 4.26; N, 1.02.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts to declare.

Acknowledgements

We thank the European Research Council (ERC, grant agreement 637313) and Royal Society (UF100592, UF150675, A. B. C.) for financial support. High-resolution mass-spectrometry data were collected using instruments purchased through support from Advantage West Midlands and the European Regional Development Fund. Crystallographic data were collected using an instrument that received funding from the ERC under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement no. 637313).

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Footnote

† Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: NMR, IR and ESI-MS spectra of new compounds, and selected reactions (PDF). Primary NMR data (MNOVA). CCDC 1966918–1966922. For ESI and crystallographic data in CIF or other electronic format see DOI: 10.1039/c9dt04474d

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