Selective decarbonylation by a pincer PCP-rhodium(I) complex

Here we report a highly selective stoichiometric decarbonylation reaction for alkylformates and alkynyl aldehydes by a rhodium–dinitrogen complex (PCP-Rh–N2) at room temperature. While electronic effects of the substrates cannot be completely ruled out, the selectivity is rationalized by a steric effect, consistent with the results of an X-ray crystallographic study and density functional theory (DFT) modeling.