Rhodium Complexes of a New Structurally Adaptive PNN-Pincer Type Ligand

A new PNN-pincer type ligand with pyrazolyl and diphenylphosphine flanking donors on a diarylamido anchor has been prepared. Its bis­(tert-butyl isocyanide)­rhodium­(I) complex exhibits hemilabile behavior in solution, and its solid-state structure verified the elusive κ2P,N coordination mode for this type of ligand. Reactions between (PNN)­Rh­(CNtBu)2 and iodomethane afford both fac- and cis,mer-[(PNN)­Rh­(CNtBu)2(Me)]­(I), which further showcases the structural versatility of the ligand.