Arene Ligand Research Articles

Volatile Organic Compound Sensing by Gold Nanoparticles Capped with Calix[4]arene Ligand

Abstract Gold nanoparticles capped with calix[4]arene ligands have been designed and synthesized for highly sensitive and selective VOC sensing. Mass sensors coated with porous nanoparticle films displayed a good response toward toluene gas.

Hydrogen Bond Optimization via Molecular Design for the Fabrication of Crystalline Organometallic Wheel-and-Axle Compounds Based on Half-Sandwich Ru(II) Units

A new series of half-sandwich ruthenium(II) complexes containing p-aminobenzoic acids (4-aminobenzoic acid and 4-aminocynnamic acid) and different arene ligands (benzene, p-cymene, and indane) have been synthesized and fully characterized giving particular attention to the analysis of the generated crystalline supramolecular architectures. A careful design of the molecular building blocks allows a perfect match to be reached between hydrogen bond donors and acceptors thus leading to the construction of crystalline wheel-and-axle metal–organic (WAAMO) systems, where the wheels are the half-sandwich units [(arene)RuCl2] and the axles are based on the cyclic dimerization of the COOH functions of the aminobenzoic ligands. The R22(8) cyclic pattern is however conserved only in absence of hydrogen bond donor crystallization solvents, which, when present, tend to insert between the COOH group and a Cl–Ru moiety with formation of hydrates or solvates. Far more robust is the supramolecular synthon based on the coupling involving the Ru–NH2 function as donor and the RuCl2 group as acceptor, which has been found in five out of seven X-ray structures reported in this work. The porosity of the WAAMOs can be modulated acting on the steric requirements of the arene ligand and on the length of the covalent segment of the central supramolecular axle.

Acetal-Functionalized RAPTA Complexes for Conjugation and Labeling

Ruthenium-arene complexes bearing the 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphatricyclo-[3.3.1.1]decane ligand, namely, RAPTA compounds, are widely investigated as potential antimetastatic agents for cancer therapy. Although much evidence points toward covalent binding with essential protein biomolecules as the key determinant of their activity, the exact biological targets of RAPTA remain elusive. To address this current gap in understanding, RAPTA compounds derivatized with acetal groups via a pendant chain to the arene ligand were developed as a functional probe for selective postlabeling and tagging of covalent RAPTA adducts in cancer cells.

Probing the Metal-to-Ligand Charge Transfer First Excited State in (η6-Naphthalene)Cr(CO)3 and (η6-Phenanthrene)Cr(CO)3 by Resonance Raman Spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory Calculations

The nature of the lowest energy optical transition for the complexes (η(6)-naphthalene)Cr(CO)(3) and (η(6)-phenanthrene)Cr(CO)(3) in the solid state has been investigated by Raman spectroscopy using a range of different excitation wavelengths progressively approaching the resonant condition. Examination of the resonantly enhanced Raman modes confirms that the first absorption is attributed predominantly to a metal-to-arene charge transfer transition for both complexes. A notable difference in the photochemistry of the two complexes was observed. In the case of the phenanthrene complex, population of the lowest energy excited state leads to a photochemical process which resulted in the loss of the arene ligand and formation of Cr(CO)(6).

Photocontrolled DNA Binding of a Receptor-Targeted Organometallic Ruthenium(II) Complex

A photoactivated ruthenium(II) arene complex has been conjugated to two receptor-binding peptides, a dicarba analogue of octreotide and the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) tripeptide. These peptides can act as "tumor-targeting devices" since their receptors are overexpressed on the membranes of tumor cells. Both ruthenium-peptide conjugates are stable in aqueous solution in the dark, but upon irradiation with visible light, the pyridyl-derivatized peptides were selectively photodissociated from the ruthenium complex, as inferred by UV-vis and NMR spectroscopy. Importantly, the reactive aqua species generated from the conjugates, [(η(6)-p-cym)Ru(bpm)(H(2)O)](2+), reacted with the model DNA nucleobase 9-ethylguanine as well as with guanines of two DNA sequences, (5')dCATGGCT and (5')dAGCCATG. Interestingly, when irradiation was performed in the presence of the oligonucleotides, a new ruthenium adduct involving both guanines was formed as a consequence of the photodriven loss of p-cymene from the two monofunctional adducts. The release of the arene ligand and the formation of a ruthenated product with a multidentate binding mode might have important implications for the biological activity of such photoactivated ruthenium(II) arene complexes. Finally, photoreactions with the peptide-oligonucleotide hybrid, Phac-His-Gly-Met-linker-p(5')dCATGGCT, also led to arene release and to guanine adducts, including a GG chelate. The lack of interaction with the peptide fragment confirms the preference of such organometallic ruthenium(II) complexes for guanine over other potential biological ligands, such as histidine or methionine amino acids.

ChemInform Abstract: Artificial Synthetic Receptors as Regulators of Protein Activity

AbstractReview: 30 refs.

Thiacalix[4]arene–alkali metal assemblies: crystal structures and guest-binding capabilities of supramolecular architectures supported by metal coordination and cation–π interactions

To investigate alkali metal complexation with sulfur-linked calixarene analogues and their guest-binding properties for gaseous organic guest molecules, we elucidated a crystal structure of a cesium complex with p-H-thiacalix[4]arene ( 1·4H) ligands and guest-binding properties of the cesium complex ( 2) and the previously reported rubidium complex ( 3). In crystals of the complex 2, a ‘sandwich-like’ binuclear complex was formed by inter-molecular coordination of cesium cations to the thiacalixarene molecules and methanol molecules, mutually interacting by aromatic-H⋯S hydrogen bonding and alkali metal cation–π interactions between the alkali metal cation and thiacalixarene aromatic rings outside of the cavities. On the guest-binding behaviors both complexes 2 and 3 toward organic guest molecules, methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol as polar molecules, the complex 2 has no methanol adsorption ability, but the complex 3 showed vapor adsorption properties for all guest molecules. In particular, both complexes exhibited a high adsorption capability toward ethanol molecule. As results of gaseous guest adsorption measurements for alcohol molecules, the guest-binding of these complexes are significantly different because the properties depend heavily on structural natures between complexes 2 and 3.

Highly Enantioselective Hydrogenation of Quinolines Using Phosphine-Free Chiral Cationic Ruthenium Catalysts: Scope, Mechanism, and Origin of Enantioselectivity

Asymmetric hydrogenation of quinolines catalyzed by chiral cationic η(6)-arene-N-tosylethylenediamine-Ru(II) complexes have been investigated. A wide range of quinoline derivatives, including 2-alkylquinolines, 2-arylquinolines, and 2-functionalized and 2,3-disubstituted quinoline derivatives, were efficiently hydrogenated to give 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines with up to >99% ee and full conversions. This catalytic protocol is applicable to the gram-scale synthesis of some biologically active tetrahydroquinolines, such as (-)-angustureine, and 6-fluoro-2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline, a key intermediate for the preparation of the antibacterial agent (S)-flumequine. The catalytic pathway of this reaction has been investigated in detail using a combination of stoichiometric reaction, intermediate characterization, and isotope labeling patterns. The evidence obtained from these experiments revealed that quinoline is reduced via an ionic and cascade reaction pathway, including 1,4-hydride addition, isomerization, and 1,2-hydride addition, and hydrogen addition undergoes a stepwise H(+)/H(-) transfer process outside the coordination sphere rather than a concerted mechanism. In addition, DFT calculations indicate that the enantioselectivity originates from the CH/π attraction between the η(6)-arene ligand in the Ru-complex and the fused phenyl ring of dihydroquinoline via a 10-membered ring transition state with the participation of TfO(-) anion.

Thiacalixarene Derivatives Incorporated in Optical-Sensing Membranes for Metal Ion Recognition

This work deals with the evaluation of different thiacalix[4]arene derivatives included in polymeric PVC membranes for the optical sensing of metallic cations. Two ligands have been studied: thiacalix[4]arene (ligand 4) and its p-tert-butyl-derivative (ligand 2). Membranes including ligand 4 were tested for different metals and better results were obtained for Cd2+, Ag+, and Pb2+. In the case of films incorporating the neutral ionophore, ligand 2, a pH sensitive dye (ETH 2439), and an anionic additive were also added. A selective response to Ag+ was achieved in acetate buffer at pH 5.

H2O2 reactivity of a dinuclear copper(II) complex incorporating a constrained binucleating polyaminopyridyl ligand and a phosphodiester coligand

A dinuclear copper(II) complex [Cu2(PD)(DPP−)2](ClO4)2 (1) incorporating a constrained binucleating hexadenate ligand, PD (1,3-bis{bis[(2-pyridyl)ethyl]amino}benzene), and coligand, DPP− (diphenylphosphate) was synthesized and characterized, with a specific outlook towards evaluating spectroscopic and H2O2 reactivity relevant to the active-sites of noncoupled dinuclear copper enzymes, DβM and PHM. In solution, complex 1 exhibits a broad 1H NMR in the range −25 to +60ppm and has a solution magnetic moment (μ) of ∼2.0 B.M./Cu(II), typical of a noninteracting dicopper(II) center. The room temperature H2O2 reactivity of 1 monitored by UV–Vis spectroscopy reveals the formation of a copper(II)–dioxygen intermediate 1a, which in turn leading to a arene ligand hydroxylation (PD-O−) and thus provide a new doubly-bridged dicopper(II) complex, [Cu2(PD-O−)(DPP−)](ClO4)2 (2). The dioxygen intermediate produces OPPh3 on treatment with PPh3 revealing it is an electrophilic hydroperoxide oxidant. Solution magnetic moment of 1.61 B.M./Cu(II) indicates the product complex 2 is a moderately interacting dicopper(II) center and its 1H NMR spans between −20 and +180ppm. A comparison of the optical absorption features of complex 1a with related dinuclear hydroperoxo-copper(II) complexes is discussed.

Construction of a unique 3D coordination polymer from assembly of Cd(NO3)2 with a new tetrakis(m-carboxyphenyl)azo calix[4]arene ligand

Abstract Reactions of 25,26,27,28-tetrahydroxy-calix[4]arene (1) with 4 equiv. of m-carboxybenzenediazonium chloride in the presence of NaOAc∙3H2O in DMF produced a new azo calix[4]arene [H4L] (2) (H4L = 5,11,17,23-tetrakis[(m-carboxyphenyl)azo]-25,26,27,28-tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene) in 96% yield. Hydrothermal reactions of Cd(NO3)2·4H2O with H4L at 90 °C under pH = 5.0–6.0 gave rise to a coordination polymer {[H3O]2[Cd7L4(DMF)4(EtOH)2(H2O)2]·5DMF·11.5EtOH·H2O}n (3). Compound 3 was characterized by elemental analysis, IR, powder X-ray diffraction, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 3 consists of a 3D framework with an unprecedented (3346526371)(364135861) topology. The thermal properties of 2 and 3 were also investigated.

Influence of arene dissociation and phosphine coordination on the catalytic activity of [RuCl( κ2-triphos)( p-cymene)]PF 6

The catalytic activity of a ruthenium(II)- p-cymene complex containing a partially coordinated triphosphine ligand, [RuCl( κ 2-triphos)( p-cymene)]PF 6 1, has been investigated in the hydrogenation of styrene to ethylbenzene. The influence of arene dissociation and coordination of the free phosphine donor group on the catalytic activity have been probed directly and indirectly by comparison to structural analogues. Analogues of 1 containing in a diphosphine ligand, [RuCl( κ 2-dppp)( p-cymene)]PF 6 2, or a labile arene ligand, [RuCl( κ 2-triphos)( η 6-PhCO 2Et)]PF 6 3, show significantly enhanced catalytic activity – demonstrating the importance of ligand coordination/dissociation dynamics in ruthenium(II)-arene compounds during catalysis. These observations are supported by thermolysis reactions of 1 in DMSO. In addition, improved syntheses of 1 and 2 are reported together with the solid-state structures of syn- 1, syn- 3 and [Ru( η 3-C 8H 13)( κ 3-triphos)]PF 6.

Metal Complexes as DNA Intercalators

DNA has a strong affinity for many heterocyclic aromatic dyes, such as acridine and its derivatives. Lerman in 1961 first proposed intercalation as the source of this affinity, and this mode of DNA binding has since attracted considerable research scrutiny. Organic intercalators can inhibit nucleic acid synthesis in vivo, and they are now common anticancer drugs in clinical therapy. The covalent attachment of organic intercalators to transition metal coordination complexes, yielding metallointercalators, can lead to novel DNA interactions that influence biological activity. Metal complexes with σ-bonded aromatic side arms can act as dual-function complexes: they bind to DNA both by metal coordination and through intercalation of the attached aromatic ligand. These aromatic side arms introduce new modes of DNA binding, involving mutual interactions of functional groups held in close proximity. The biological activity of both cis- and trans-diamine Pt(II) complexes is dramatically enhanced by the addition of σ-bonded intercalators. We have explored a new class of organometallic "piano-stool" Ru(II) and Os(II) arene anticancer complexes of the type [(η(6)-arene)Ru/Os(XY)Cl](+). Here XY is, for example, ethylenediamine (en), and the arene ligand can take many forms, including tetrahydroanthracene, biphenyl, or p-cymene. Arene-nucleobase stacking interactions can have a significant influence on both the kinetics and thermodynamics of DNA binding. In particular, the cytotoxic activity, conformational distortions, recognition by DNA-binding proteins, and repair mechanisms are dependent on the arene. A major difficulty in developing anticancer drugs is cross-resistance, a phenomenon whereby a cell that is resistant to one drug is also resistant to another drug in the same class. These new complexes are non-cross-resistant with cisplatin towards cancer cells: they constitute a new class of anticancer agents, with a mechanism of action that differs from the anticancer drug cisplatin and its analogs. The Ru-arene complexes with dual functions are more potent towards cancer cells than their nonintercalating analogs. In this Account, we focus on recent studies of dual-function organometallic Ru(II)- and Os(II)-arene complexes and the methods used to detect arene-DNA intercalation. We relate these interactions to the mechanism of anticancer activity and to structure-activity relationships. The interactions between these complexes and DNA show close similarities to those of covalent polycyclic aromatic carcinogens, especially to N7-alkylating intercalation compounds. However, Ru-arene complexes exhibit some new features. Classical intercalation and base extrusion next to the metallated base is observed for {(η(6)-biphenyl)Ru(ethylenediamine)}(2+) adducts of a 14-mer duplex, while penetrating arene intercalation occurs for adducts of the nonaromatic bulky intercalator {(η(6)-tetrahydroanthracene)Ru(ethylenediamine)}(2+) with a 6-mer duplex. The introduction of dual-function Ru-arene complexes introduces new mechanisms of antitumor activity, novel mechanisms for attack on DNA, and new concepts for developing structure- activity relationships. We hope this discussion will stimulate thoughtful and focused research on the design of anticancer chemotherapeutic agents using these unique approaches.

Additive Character of Electron Donation by Methyl Substituents within a Complete Series of Polymethylated [1-(η6-MenC6H6−n)-closo-1,2,3-FeC2B9H11] Complexes. Linear Correlations of the NMR Parameters and FeII/IIIRedox Potentials with the Number of Arene Methyls

A systematic method for the incorporation of the {(η(6)-Me(n)C(6)H(6-n))Fe} fragment into the dicarbollide cage was developed based on reactions between [(η(6)-Me(n)C(6)H(6-n))(2)Fe][PF(6)](2) salts (1) and Tl(2)[nido-7,8-C(2)B(9)H(11)]. These reactions proceed with elimination of one arene ligand to generate a complete series of the neutral [1-(η(6)-Me(n)C(6)H(6-n))-closo-1,2,3-FeC(2)B(9)H(11)] (2) complexes with n = 1-6 in yields ranging 15-70% depending on the arene. The structures of mesitylene and pentamethylbenzene complexes were established by X-ray diffraction analyses. All compounds were characterized by (11)B and (1)H NMR measurements, mass spectra, melting points and elemental analyses. Correlations between selected (1)H and (11)B NMR parameters and the Fe(II/III) redox potentials and the number of arene methyls for complexes 2 are linear. These facts establish direct evidence for a strictly additive character of electron donation by the methyl substituents to the arene ring and further to the Fe center and the second (dicarbollide) ligand.Correlations between the number of arene methyls (n) and selected (1)H and (11)B NMR parameters or the Fe(II/III) redox potentials for complexes [1-(η(6)-MenC(6)H(6-n))-closo-1,2,3-FeC(2)B(9)H(11)] are of strictly linear character.

Extending ligand field molecular mechanics to modelling organometallic π-bonded systems: applications to ruthenium–arenes

The ligand field molecular mechanics method has been extended to treat η(6)-arene ligands coordinated to a ruthenium(II) centre by employing a dummy atom located at the centroid of the arene ring and distributing the forces on the dummy to the arene carbon atoms. Angular overlap model parameters based on orbital energies derived from Kohn-Sham density functional theory (KS-DFT) calculations show that, relative to the Ru-dummy vector, the arene behaves as a very strong π donor and weak σ donor. Based on KS-DFT geometries, partial atomic charges and potential energy scans for a series of homoleptic and half sandwich complexes spanning arene, am(m)ine, imine, pyridyl, hydride and chloride ligands, a new LFMM force field has been developed which accurately reproduces the KS-DFT data. This FF was validated against 47 half-sandwich complexes obtained from the Cambridge Structural Database which, after minor corrections to account for the systematic errors between our chosen functional (BP86) and the experimental structures, yields a 'structurally tuned' FF where 93% of the Ru-L contacts are reproduced to 0.05 Å or better and all bar two bond lengths are within 0.1 Å of experiment. Over half the systems have non-hydrogen-atom rmsds of less than 0.5 Å. Larger differences are usually due to rotation of the arene moiety which is shown by ligand field molecular dynamics (LFMD) simulations to be an inherently low-energy process. Comparisons between LFMD and Car-Parrinello MD for [Ru(p-cymene)(ethylenediamine)Cl](+)show that LFMD is equally accurate but much faster enabling modelling of dynamic properties which occur on a timescale beyond the scope of CPMD.

On the unprecedented level of dinitrogen activation in the calix[4]arene complex of Nb(iii)

The calix[4]arene niobium(III) complex ([L]Nb-N=N-Nb[L] where [L] = p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene), reported to bind N(2) in a μ(2)-linear dimeric capacity and to activate the N(2) triple bond to 1.39 Å, corresponding to the longest N(2) bond known in the end-on coordination mode, was subjected to a computational investigation involving both density functional and wavefunction based methods to establish the basis for the unprecedented level of activation. Replacement of the calix[4]arene ligand with hydroxide or methoxide ligands reveals that the organic backbone structure of the calix[4]arene ligand exerts negligible electronic influence over the metal centre, serving only to geometrically constrain the coordinating phenoxide groups. A fragment bonding analysis shows that metal-to-dinitrogen π* backbonding is the principal Nb-N interaction, providing a strong electronic basis for analogy with other well-characterised three- and four-coordinate complexes which bind N(2) end-on. While the calculated structure of the metallacalix[4]arene unit is reproduced with high accuracy, as is also the Nb-Nb separation, the calculated equilibrium geometry of the complex under a variety of conditions consistently indicates against a 1.39 Å activation of the N(2) bond. Instead, the calculated N-N distances fall within the range 1.26-1.30 Å, a result concordant with closely related three- and four-coordinate μ(2)-N(2) complexes as well as predictions derived from trends in N-N stretching frequency for a number of crystallographically characterized linear N(2) activators. A number of potential causes for this bond length discrepancy are explored.

Chemically engineered papain as artificial formate dehydrogenase for NAD(P)H regeneration

Organometallic complexes of the general formula [(η(6)-arene)Ru(N⁁N)Cl](+) and [(η(5)-Cp*)Rh(N⁁N)Cl](+) where N⁁N is a 2,2'-dipyridylamine (DPA) derivative carrying a thiol-targeted maleimide group, 2,2'-bispyridyl (bpy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) or ethylenediamine (en) and arene is benzene, 2-chloro-N-[2-(phenyl)ethyl]acetamide or p-cymene were identified as catalysts for the stereoselective reduction of the enzyme cofactors NAD(P)(+) into NAD(P)H with formate as a hydride donor. A thorough comparison of their effectiveness towards NAD(+) (expressed as TOF) revealed that the Rh(III) complexes were much more potent catalysts than the Ru(II) complexes. Within the Ru(II) complex series, both the N⁁N and arene ligands forming the coordination sphere had a noticeable influence on the activity of the complexes. Covalent anchoring of the maleimide-functionalized Ru(II) and Rh(III) complexes to the cysteine endoproteinase papain yielded hybrid metalloproteins, some of them displaying formate dehydrogenase activity with potentially interesting kinetic parameters.

Syntheses of chromium tricarbonyl organometals of 1-methyl-naphthalene and different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, characterisation of the (C 11H 10)Cr(CO) 3 isomers and the crystal structure of the [( η6-5,6,7,8,9,10-C 11H 10)Cr(CO) 3] complex

The synthesis of organometal complexes from chromium hexacarbonyl with 1-methyl-naphthalene ligand is reported. Two arene-chromium-tricarbonyl isomers are formed at competitive yields, featured with the metal fragment coordinated to both the methylated and the benzenic aromatic ring. A single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurement has been performed on the [( η 6-5,6,7,8,9,10-C 11H 10)Cr(CO) 3] isomer, which presents the metal carbonyl moiety attached to the benzenic arene ligand. The products of reaction have been studied by UV–VIS–NIR, fluorescence and 1H NMR spectroscopies. A detailed vibrational characterisation by mean of experimental FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy and DFT calculations is reported. The electron ligand donation to the metal carbonyl system, determined by FT-IR spectroscopy, has been related to the actual decrease of resonance energy of the aromatic hydrocarbon in the complex and compared with other chromium tricarbonyl complexes of different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons provided with the naphthalenic moiety.

Bulky Guanidinato Nickel(I) Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, Isomerization, and Reactivity Studies

Reactions of lithium complexes of the bulky guanidinates [{(Dip)N}(2)CNR(2)](-) (Dip=C(6)H(3)iPr(2)-2,6; R=C(6)H(11) (Giso(-)) or iPr (Priso(-)), with NiBr(2) have afforded the nickel(II) complexes [{Ni(L)(μ-Br)}(2)] (L=Giso(-) or Priso(-)), the latter of which was crystallographically characterized. Reduction of [{Ni(Priso)(μ-Br)}(2)] with elemental potassium in benzene or toluene afforded the diamagnetic species [{Ni(Priso)}(2)(μ-C(6)H(5)R)] (R=H or Me), which were shown, by X-ray crystallographic studies, to possess nonplanar bridging arene ligands that are partially reduced. A similar reduction of [{Ni(Priso)(μ-Br)}(2)] in cyclohexane yielded a mixture of the isomeric complexes [{Ni(μ-κ(1)-N-,η(2)-Dip-Priso)}(2)] and [{Ni(μ-κ(2)-N,N'-Priso)}(2)], both of which were structurally characterized. These complexes were also formed through arene elimination processes if [{Ni(Priso)}(2)(μ-C(6)H(5)R)] (R=H or Me) were dissolved in hexane. In that solvent, diamagnetic [{Ni(μ-κ(1)-N-,η(2)-Dip-Priso)}(2)] was found to slowly convert to paramagnetic [{Ni(μ-κ(2)-N,N'-Priso)}(2)], suggesting that the latter is the thermodynamic isomer. Computational analysis of a model of [{Ni(μ-κ(2)-N,N'-Priso)}(2)] showed it to have a Ni-Ni bond that has a multiconfigurational electronic structure. An analogous copper(I) complex [{Cu(μ-κ(2)-N,N'-Giso)}(2)] was prepared, structurally authenticated, and found, by a theoretical study, to have a negligible Cu···Cu bonding interaction. The reactivity of [{Ni(Priso)}(2)(μ-C(6)H(5)Me)] and [{Ni(μ-κ(2)-N,N'-Priso)}(2)] towards a range of small molecules was examined and this gave rise to diamagnetic complexes [{Ni(Priso)(μ-CO)}(2)] and [{Ni(Priso)(μ-N(3))}(2)]. Taken as a whole, this study highlights similarities between bulky guanidinate ligands and the β-diketiminate ligand class, but shows the former to have greater coordinative flexibility.

Novel phosphite palladium complexes and their application in C–P cross-coupling reactions

A mono- and a 1,3-bis-phosphite arene ligand based on 2,2′-biphenol have been synthesized in order to study the synthesis of the corresponding palladium(II) complexes starting from different Pd precursors. Novel bis-phosphite palladium complex 1 [PdCl 2(L) 2] (L = dibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepin, 6-phenoxy), C, P-chelate bonded monophosphite palladium complex 2 [Pd(κ 2-L)(μ-Cl)] 2, and PCP-pincer palladium complex 3 have been prepared from these ligands in promising to excellent yields (50–95%). Additionally, complexes 1 and 3 have been characterized by X-ray crystal structure determinations. The application of 2,6-bis-phosphite pincer palladium(II) complex 3 in C–P cross-coupling between diphenylphosphine-borane and a wide range of various aryl iodides under very mild conditions is reported. Kinetic investigations indicate that 3 merely acts as a pre-catalyst and that Pd nanoparticles are the actual catalytically active species.