Single step, high yield synthesis of para-hydroxy functionalized POCOP ligands and their Ni( ii ) pincer derivatives

A facile and efficient method is provided for the production of phosphinito ligands [C 6 H 3 -5-OH-1,3-(OPR 2 ) 2 ] and their pincer complexes [NiCl{C 6 H 2 -4-OH-2,6-(OPR 2 ) 2 }].