Herein, we report on (31)P(31)P solution-phase "through-space" nuclear spin-spin coupling constants (J(PP)) from a novel family of organometallic tetraphosphine nickel and palladium complexes. These J(PP) constants were accurately determined through NMR iterative simulation based on the second-order spectra obtained for the compounds. The corresponding solid-state X-ray structures of the complexes were determined, and the "through-space" P.P distances are reported. Due to the blocked conformation of the species in solution, a qualitative and semiquantitative experimental correlation is obtained, which links the geometric parameters and the intensity of the corresponding P.P coupling constant. The lone-pair overlap theory developed for (19)F(19)F and (15)N(19)F "through-space" couplings in organic compounds [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1973, 95, 7747-7752; 2000, 122, 4108-4116] appears to be a reliable foundation on which to account for our results. Based on the reported observations, the lone-pair overlap model is extended to "through-space" (31)P(31)P coupling, and the model is broadened to encompass metal orbital contributions for coordination complexes. Some of the predictions and consequences of the proposed theory are discussed.

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[structure: see text] The catalytic activity in Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions of alkynes with a variety of aryl halides (including chlorides) using a multidentate ferrocenyl phosphine is presented. The novel mixed ferrocenyl aryl/alkyl triphosphine is thermally stable and insensitive to air or moisture, and its robustness allows aryl alkynylation at 10(-1) to 10(-4) mol % catalyst loadings with TONs up to 250,000. Copper-free coupling using phenylacetylene is also accessible in good yield.