Synthesis, characterization and reactivity of vanadium, chromium, and manganese PNP pincer complexes

The synthesis of a series of vanadium, chromium, and manganese PNP complexes of the types [M(PNP)Cl3] (M = V, Cr) and [M(PNP)Cl2] (M = Cr, Mn) is reported, which catalyze the homo-coupling of aryl Grignard reagents in the presence of MeI as oxidizing agents to give symmetrical biaryls.