Group 10 complexes containing phosphinomethylamine ligands: Synthesis, structural analysis and electrochemical studies

The reaction of [M(triphos)OTf](OTf) (M = Pd, Pt; triphos = (Ph2PCH2CH2)2PPh; OTf = triflate) with one equivalent of a diphenylphosphinomethylamine ligand (PPh2NPh(R), R = Ph or Me) leads to the formation of the M(II) complexes [Pd(triphos)PPh2NPh(R)](OTf)2 (1a, R = Ph; 1b, R = Me) and [Pt(triphos)PPh2NPh(R)](OTf)2 (2a, R = Ph; 2b, R = Me). Complexes 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b were obtained in moderate yields and characterized by elemental analysis, 1H, 13C, 31P NMR and X-ray diffraction. The redox behavior of these complexes shows a reversible reduction wave with half-wave potentials ranging from −1.04 to −1.23 V. Electrocatalytic proton reduction studies demonstrate these complexes function as hydrogen production catalysts with turn over frequencies ranging from 120 to 200 s−1.