Synthesis and catalytic activities of porphyrin-based PCP pincer complexes.

Abstract

2, 18-Bis(diphenylphosphino)porphyrins undergo peripheral cyclometalation with group 10 transition-metal salts to afford the corresponding porphyrin-based PCP pincer complexes. The porphyrinic plane and the PCP-pincer unit are apparently coplanar, with small strain. The catalytic activities of the porphyrin-based pincer complexes at the periphery were investigated in the allylation of benzaldehyde with allylstannane and in the 1, 4-reduction of chalcone to discover the electronic interplay between the inner metal and the outer metal in catalysis.