Study and modular synthesis of unsymmetrical bis(phosphino)pyrrole ligands.

We report the facile and modular synthesis of unsymmetrical 1,2-bis(phosphino)pyrrole ligands and their coordination chemistry. These ligands offer a promising alternative to their 1,2-bis(phosphino)benzene congeners, retaining a similar steric profile with attenuated electron donation. Proof-of-principle application of a bis(phosphino)pyrrole ligand in a nickel-catalyzed C-N cross-coupling reaction under mild conditions is demonstrated.