Synthesis of new aminophosphine complexes and their catalytic activities in C–C coupling reactions

Two new aminophosphines, benzyl-N(Ph2P)2 and 2-picolyl-N(Ph2P)2, have been synthesized. Oxidation of the aminophosphines with either hydrogen peroxide, elemental sulfur and selenium gave the corresponding oxides, sulfides and selenides benzyl-N(Ph2Pdouble bond; length as m-dashE)2 and 2-picolyl-N(Ph2Pdouble bond; length as m-dashE)2, where E = O, S, or Se. Complexes [benzyl-N(Ph2P)2]MCl2 and [2-picolyl-N(Ph2P)2]MCl2, where M = Pd, Pt, were obtained by the reaction of the aminophosphines with MCl2(cod). The new compounds were characterised by NMR, IR spectroscopy and microanalysis. Furthermore, representative solid-state structures of the palladium and platinum complexes were determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The palladium complexes were further investigated as potential catalysts in C–C coupling reactions.