A long-tethered (P–B–P)-pincer ligand: synthesis, complexation, and application to catalytic dehydrogenation of alkanes

A new long-tethered boron-containing (P–B–P)-pincer ligand has been synthesized. This ligand was introduced to Ir to form (P–B–P)Ir(H)Cl complex. Subsequent reaction with nBuLi led to the formation of dihydride complex (P–B–P)Ir(H)2. Both complexes were found to be moderately active for the catalytic dehydrogenation of alkanes.