C-N, C-S and S-S Bond Cleavage by Rhodium PCcarbeneP Pincer Complexes

Rhodium PCcarbeneP complexes1-L{L=PPh3, PPh2(C6F5)} react with isothiocyanate, carbodiimide and disulphide to enable C-S, C-N and S-S bond cleavage. The cleaved molecules are sequestered by the metal center and the pincer alkylidene linkage, forming eta(2)-coordinated sulfide or imide centered pincer complexes. When a C-S or S-S bond is cleaved, the resulting complexes can bridge two rhodium centers through sulphur forming dimeric complexes and eliminating a monodentate phosphine ligand.