Synthesis and reactivity of platinum group metal complexes featuring the new pincer-like bis(phosphino)silyl ligand [κ3-(2-Ph2PC6H4)2SiMe]- ([PSiP]):: Application in the ruthenium-mediated transfer hydrogenation of ketones

The synthesis of coordinatively unsaturated Ru, Rh, Pd, and Pt complexes supported by the new pincer-like bis(phosphino)silyl ligand [kappa(3)-(2-Ph2PC6H4)(2)SiMe](-) ([PSiP]) is described. In the first application of silyl pincer-type complexes in transfer hydrogenation catalysis, [PSiP]Ru species were shown to be effective in mediating the reduction of ketones employing basic (PrOH)-Pr-i as the hydrogen source.