Metal complexes of the perfluoroalkyl substituted image ligand

The synthesis of the perfluoroalkyl substituted tris(pyrazolyl)borate ligand Tpn-C3F7,MeTpn-C3F7,Me (tris(3-(1,1,2,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropyl)-5-methyl-pyrazolyl)borate) is reported. Its Tl, Na, and Cs salts as well as a series of transition metal complexes of the type Tpn-C3F7,MeTpn-C3F7,Me MIINO3 (M = Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) and the carbonyl complex Tpn-C3F7,MeTpn-C3F7,Me Cu(CO) have been prepared and characterized spectroscopically as well as by X-ray diffraction. While the ligand is expected to provide an oxidatively stable binding pocket, its utility may be compromised by its pronounced leaving group ability, causing it to be readily displaced from the metal.