We have synthesized the new anthracenediyl-bridged binucleating ligand (ABIH2) and two of its metal complexes (ABI)[ML2] 2, with ML2= Rh (CO) 2 and Ir (COD). The binucleating ligand was prepared via Pd-catalyzed coupling between 1, 8-dibromoanthraquinone or- anthracene and organotin derivatives of 3, 5-dimethylisoxazole. ABIH2 can be used to prepare cofacial dicarbonylrhodium ((ABI)[Rh (CO) 2] 2) and (η4-1, 5-cyclooctadiene) ...