Synthesis and coordination chemistry of a photoswitchable bis(phosphine) ligand

A 1,2-dithienylethene compound bearing bis(phosphine) groups (1o) represents a new class of photoresponsive ligands where there are steric and electronic differences between two photogenerated isomers. The coordination chemistry of this ligand class is demonstrated by preparing a gold(l) complex (2o) and a phosphine selenide (3o).