A long-tethered (P-B-P)-pincer ligand: synthesis, complexation, and application to catalytic dehydrogenation of alkanes

A new long-tethered boron-containing (P-B-P)-pincer ligand 8 has been synthesized. Complexation of 8 with [Ir(coe)(2)Cl](2) (coe = cyclooctene) resulted in (P-B-P)(hydrido) chloroiridium complex (P-B-P) Ir(H) Cl 9. Subsequent reaction with (BuLi)-Bu-n led to the formation of dihydride complex (P-B-P)Ir(H)(2) 10. Both complexes were found to be moderately active for the catalytic dehydrogenation of alkanes.