Intramolecular metallation of o-carboranylphosphine-palladium(II) and -platinum(II) complexes

Preparation of trans-P^cb₂MCl₂]-type complexes (P^cb= o-HCB₁₀H₁₀CCH₂PPh₂ M = Pd, Pt), which readily undergo intramolecular metallation through the BH bonds of the carborane cage to form exocyclic compounds involving a $\text{PCCBM}$ bond system, is described. Both monomeric compounds, trans-MCl(B-P)P^cb], and bridged complexes, such as Pd₂Cl₂(BP)₂], are formed, where (BP) is intramolecular-metallated carborane phosphine. The bridging bond is readily cleaved under the action of various ligands (pyridine, PEt₃, etc.) to form monomeric compounds.