First metal complexes of 6,6′-dihydroxy-2,2′-bipyridine: from molecular wires to applications in carbonylation catalysis

The first square planar rhodium(I) complexes containing the 6,6'-dihydroxy-2,2'-bipyridine ligand have been prepared. The complexes form molecular wires in the solid state and are active catalysts for the carbonylation of methyl acetate.