Chapter 11 - S-P-S and S-C-S pincer ligands in coordination chemistry and catalysis

Abstract

The early studies on palladium complexes with pincer ligands bearing thioether pendant arms proved the robustness of the metal–ligand interaction. It results both from the tridentate coordination and the C−Pd bond strength. The complexes have been used with great success in many areas, ranging from supramolecular chemistry to catalysis. In particular, significant results are obtained with the Se analog in catalysis. Changing thioether arms by phosphinosulfides or thioketones result in similar palladation of the central aromatic ring. The chapter states that the major drawback in the development of these S−C−S ligands is that it requires a C−H to C−M formation, which is limited to few metal centers.