Formal loss of an H radical by a cobalt complex via metal–ligand cooperation

A (PNP)Co(I)methyl diamagnetic complex formally loses an H atom from the pincer ligand, exhibiting a long-range metal-ligand cooperation in what may be considered as an unusual example of 'C-H cleavage'. Spectroscopic data indicate that the product is a neutral Co(I) complex with a radical delocalized in the ligand backbone.