Synthesis and Properties of a Rhodium Complex Having a Novel β-Ketophosphenato Ligand, a Heavier Congener of a β-Ketoiminato Ligand

The first stable rhodium complex having a β-ketophosphenato ligand, which is a heavier congener of a β-ketoiminato ligand, has been synthesized and characterized. Comparison of properties between rhodium β-ketophosphenates 2 and rhodium β-ketoiminate 4 revealed the unique character of the β-ketophosphenato ligand, where the trans influence of the phosphorus atom should be stronger than the nitrogen atom of the β-ketoiminato ligand.