Abstract
We present the syntheses of two new star-shaped penta-ligands containing five pyridyls, which may be considered as starting materials for the preparation of fullerene-like molecules by coordination chemistry. One synthetic strategy is similar to that used for pentaphenylferrocenyl di-tert-butylphosphine. The penta-4-pyridyl derivative was prepared in two steps from ferrocene. A second strategy involving a Suzuki cross-coupling reaction with a penta-bromoaryl scorpionate is presented.