The two-step synthesis of a new unsymmetrical ligand 2-[Ph2PC6H4C(H)=N]C6H4[N(H)COCH2N(H)CO2Bz], 2.HH, via acid-catalyzed Schiff base condensation of 2-(H2N)C6H4[N(H)COCH2N(H)CO2Bz], 1, with 2-Ph2PC6H4(CHO) in refluxing EtOH is reported. The multidentate ligand 2.HH, isolated in ca. 60% yield, exhibits an array of ligation modes, as exemplified by coordination studies with NiII, PdII, PtII, and AuI mononuclear metal precursors. Hence, reaction of 2.HH with AuCl(tht) (1:1 molar ratio, tht = tetrahydrothiophene) affords AuCl(2.HH), 3, in which the ligand behaves as a classic, neutral two-electron phosphorus donor. In contrast, reaction with MCl2(cod) (M = Pt, Pd; cod = cycloocta-1,5-diene) affords the corresponding dichloro complexes MCl2(2.HH) (4a M = Pt; 4b M = Pd) in which kappa2-P/N-chelation through both P and imino N-donor atoms is observed. Likewise, treatment of Pd(CH3)Cl(cod) with 2.HH gave Pd(CH3)Cl(2.HH), 4c, in which the imino nitrogen is trans to the methyl ligand. Cycloocta-1,5-diene elimination from, and single methyl protonation of, Pt(CH3)2(cod) with 1 equiv of 2.HH in toluene at ambient temperature affords the neutral complex Pt(CH3)(2.H-), 5a, in which 2.H- functions effectively in a kappa3-PNN' coordination mode. The dichloro compounds 4a or 4b undergo smooth N(H) deprotonation with tBuOK to give 6a\6a' and 6b\6b' in which 22- acts as a dianionic kappa4-PNN'N' ' ligand. The corresponding square-planar, diamagnetic, nickel(II) complex 6c\6c' was prepared in excellent yield from NiCl2.6H2O, 2.HH, and tBuOK. Variable-temperature NMR experiments confirm 6a\6a' and 6b\6b' exist, in solution, as a pair of conformational (anti and syn) isomers due to restricted rotation about the N-CO2Bz group. This feature is also borne out by single-crystal X-ray studies of anti-6a.CHCl3, syn-6a'.H2O, anti-6b.CHCl3, and anti-6c.CH2Cl2. To the best of our knowledge, we believe these constitute the first examples of crystallographically characterized conformers of a tetradentate ligand incorporating a P-donor center. All new compounds reported have been fully characterized by a combination of spectroscopic (NMR, FT-IR, ES-MS) and analytical methods. Furthermore, single-crystal X-ray studies have also been undertaken on compounds 2.HH, 3, 4a, and 5a.Et2O.

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