Dynamic Behaviour of the [(Triphos)Rh(η1:η2-P4RR′)]n+ Complexes [Triphos = MeC(CH2PPh2)3; R = H, Alkyl, Aryl; R′ = Lone Pair, H, Me;n = 0, 1]: NMR and Computational Studies

A Perspective on Recent Advances in Phosphorene Functionalization and Its Applications in Devices

Phosphorene, the 2D material derived from black phosphorus, has recently attracted a lot of interest for its properties, suitable for applications in materials science. The physical features and the prominent chemical reactivity on its surface render this nanolayered substrate particularly promising for electrical and optoelectronic applications. In addition, being a new potential ligand for metals, it opens the way for a new role of the inorganic chemistry in the 2D world, with special reference to the field of catalysis. The aim of this review is to summarize the state of the art in this subject and to present our most recent results in the preparation, functionalization, and use of phosphorene and its decorated derivatives. We discuss several key points, which are currently under investigation: the synthesis, the characterization by theoretical calculations, the high pressure behavior of black phosphorus, as well as its decoration with nanoparticles and encapsulation in polymers. Finally, device fabrication and electrical transport measurements are overviewed on the basis of recent literature and the new results collected in our laboratories.

Functionalization of P4 through Direct P-C Bond Formation

Research on chlorine-free conversions of P4 into organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) has a long track record, but methods that allow desirable, direct P-C bond formations have only recently emerged. These include the use of metal organyls, carbenes, carboradicals, and photochemical approaches. The versatile product scope enables the preparation of both industrially relevant organophosphorus compounds, as well as a broad range of intriguing new compound classes. Herein we provide a concise overview of recent breakthroughs and outline the acquired fundamental insights to aid future developments.

Ab Initio Study of Chemical Activation and Hydrogenation of White Phosphorus in Reaction with Rhodium Trihydride Complex

The four-stage mechanism of reaction of the rhodium trihydride complex [(triphos)RhH3] (triphos=1,1,1-tris(diphenylphosphanylmethyl)ethane) with the white phosphorus molecule resulting in the phosphane and the cyclo-P3 complex [(triphos)M(η3-P3] is analyzed on the basis of ab initio calculations of reactants, products, and intermediate complexes of reaction. It is shown that generation of the transient complex [(triphos)RhH(η1:η1-P4)] followed by intramolecular hydrogen atom migration from the metal to one of the phosphorus atoms is the energetically favourable process. Calculations also show that P4 molecule is activated by coordination to the above complex: the metal-bonded P-P edge is broken, and the tetrahedron P4 is opened to form the butterfly geometry. This activation is realized mainly due to the one-orbital back donation of 4d-electron density from the atom of Rh to the unoccupied antibonding triple degenerate t1*-MO of P4.

NMR studies on the novel heterobimetallic complexes [M(dppm)(Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2)PPPP) {Pt(PPh3)2}]OTf (M = Rh, Ir) derived from the stepwise activation of white phosphorus

The solution structures of the novel heterobimetallic complexes [Ir(dppm)(Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2)PPPP){Pt(PPh(3))2}]OTf and [Rh(dppm)(Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2)PPPP){Pt(PPh(3))(2)}]OTf derived from the reaction of Rh and Ir--P(5) precursors with [Pt(C2H4)(PPh3)2] have been unambiguously assigned on the basis of 1H NMR and 31P{1H} NMR data. The results are in agreement with the regio-selective insertion of the {Pt(PPh3)2} moiety resulting in a new pentaphosphorus topology which agrees with the formal formation of a unique phosphonium(+)-tetraphosphabutadienide(2-) ligand.