X-ray structural analysis of NiII, PdII, and PtII complexes with the potentially tridentate ligand 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)benzene, 1,3-C6H4(CH2PPh2)2

The ligand 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)benzene, 1,3-C6H4(CH2PPh2)(2) undergoes cyclometalation reactions, thus forming derivatives containing the tridentate moiety 2,6-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl) phenyl,2,6-C6H3(CH2PPh2)(2). Complexes of the type trans[MBr(C6H3{CH2PPh2}(2))] with M = Ni-II, Pd-II, and Pt-II could be obtained and their crystal structures were here determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. The Ni complex belongs to the space group P2(1)/c with a = 10.257(2), b = 16.234(5), c = 17.475(4) Angstrom, beta = 109.34(2)degrees, and Z = 4. The Pd complex belongs to the space group P2(1)/n with a = 10.325(3), b = 16.279(4), c = 17.303(4) Angstrom beta = 105.34(3)degrees, and Z = 4. The Pt complex belongs to the space group P2(1)/n with a = 10.127(2), b = 14.776(2), c = 19.023(3) Angstrom, beta = 91.01(1)degrees, and Z = 4. Different distortions are induced by the rigid tridentate ligand on the square planar coordinations of the three metals. A significant difference between the two M-P bond distances is present in the Pt complex and can also be found in an analogous Pd complex.