Multidentate ligands containing electropositive Group 13 and 14 elements (B, Al, Si, etc.) are of interest as supporting ligands of metal catalysts.[1] The strong electron-donating nature of the electropositive elements makes a metal center bound to them electron-rich. This promotes oxidative addition of σ-bonds such as strong C–H bonds at the metal center. For instance, our recent study revealed that an iridium complex featuring a Si-contained tridentate ligand catalyzed C(sp2)–H borylation of arenes under mild conditions (40 ℃).[2]
Figure Metal catalysts bearing multidentate ligands with electropositive Group 13 & 14 elements E
