METAL SELECTION OF LIGAND FUNCTIONALITY IN [(MES)(2)P(-O)(2)LI-CENTER-DOT-2THF](2) AND 3)SI)(2)N)CD((MES)(2)P-O)LI-2-CENTER-DOT-2THF](MES EQUALS C(6)H(2)ME(3)-2,4,6)

The reaction of LiBu(n) with [(mes)(2)P(H)=O] affords the diorganophos phinate complex [(mes)(2)P(O)(2)Li . 2thf] 1 and [(mes)(2)PLi], howeve r, addition of [Cd{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(2)] to the mixture gives the diorgan ophosphinite complex [{Me(3)-Si)(2)N}Cd{(mes)(2)PO}(2)Li . 2thf] 2; th e formation of these complexes illustrates that the ligand functionali ty of 1 can be controlled by the character of the coordinated metal io n.