Main group and transition metal-mediated phosphaalkyne oligomerizations

Diphosphaenones: beyond the phosphorus analogue of enones

Phosphaenones, like their carbon analogue enones (C[double bond, length as m-dash]C-C[double bond, length as m-dash]O), are promising building blocks for synthetic chemistry and materials science. However, in contrast to the α- and β-phosphaenones, structurally and spectroscopically well-defined diphosphaenones (DPEs) are rare. In this study, we disclose the isolation and spectroscopic characterization of N-heterocyclic vinyl (NHV) substituted acyclic DPEs 3a,b [NHV-P[double bond, length as m-dash]P-C(O)-NHV]. X-ray diffraction methods allowed determination of the structures, which show a central planar trans P[double bond, length as m-dash]P-C[double bond, length as m-dash]O configuration. Compound 3a behaves like classical enones and shows 1,4-addition across the P[double bond, length as m-dash]P-C[double bond, length as m-dash]O unit, which proceeds in a stepwise manner. In contrast, 3a exhibits also 1,2-addition across the P[double bond, length as m-dash]P but not the C[double bond, length as m-dash]O double bond, which differentiates it from enones.

Reactivities of phosphaalkynes towards diverse bis-silylenes

Bis-silylenes do not only act as strong chelating σ-donor ligands, but also exhibit cooperative behaviour in the activation of small molecules. Three different P-Si containing molecules were prepared from the reaction between tBuCP and different bis-silylenes, which are bridged by ferrocenediyl, diaminobenzene, or o-carborane.

Access to 1,2,3-triphospholide ligands by reduction of di-tert-butyldiphosphatetrahedrane

Di-tert-butyldiphosphatetrahedrane (tBuCP)2 (A) is a reactive tetrahedral molecule which may serve as a source of new phosphaorganic molecules and ligands. However, the redox chemistry of this compound has not yet been investigated. Here, we show that the reduction of A with alkali metals (AM = Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs) affords 1,2,3-triphospholides [AM(crown ether)][1,2,3-P3C2tBu2] (1-5, [AM(crown ether)] = [Li([12]crown-4)2]+, [Na([15]crown-5)2]+, [K([18]crown-6)]+, [Rb([18]crown-6)]+, and Cs+) with 1,3-diphospholides [AM(crown ether)][1,3-P2C3tBu3] (6-10) formed as by-products. The potassium salt 3 was isolated on a preparative scale, allowing for reactivity studies. Transmetalation with iron(II) and ruthenium(II) chlorides yielded the sandwich complexes [Cp*M(η5-1,2,3-P3C2tBu2)] (11, M = Fe; 12, M = Ru, Cp* = C5Me5) featuring η5-coordinated triphospholide ligands. Treatment of 3 with [Cp2Fe][BAr4F] or [H(Et2O)2BAr4F] (BAr4F = B{C6H3(CF3)2}4) afforded the polyphosphorus compound tBu4C4P6 (13), which presumably results from the dimerisation of a 1,2,3-triphospholyl radical intermediate (1,2,3-P3C2tBu2)˙ (3˙). Tetracyclic 13 is closely structurally related to an isomer of the hydrocarbon hypostrophene (C10H10).

Low-Valent Transition Metalate Anions in Synthesis, Small Molecule Activation, and Catalysis

This review surveys the synthesis and reactivity of low-oxidation state metalate anions of the d-block elements, with an emphasis on contributions reported between 2006 and 2022. Although the field has a long and rich history, the chemistry of transition metalate anions has been greatly enhanced in the last 15 years by the application of advanced concepts in complex synthesis and ligand design. In recent years, the potential of highly reactive metalate complexes in the fields of small molecule activation and homogeneous catalysis has become increasingly evident. Consequently, exciting applications in small molecule activation have been developed, including in catalytic transformations. This article intends to guide the reader through the fascinating world of low-valent transition metalates. The first part of the review describes the synthesis and reactivity of d-block metalates stabilized by an assortment of ligand frameworks, including carbonyls, isocyanides, alkenes and polyarenes, phosphines and phosphorus heterocycles, amides, and redox-active nitrogen-based ligands. Thereby, the reader will be familiarized with the impact of different ligand types on the physical and chemical properties of metalates. In addition, ion-pairing interactions and metal-metal bonding may have a dramatic influence on metalate structures and reactivities. The complex ramifications of these effects are examined in a separate section. The second part of the review is devoted to the reactivity of the metalates toward small inorganic molecules such as H2, N2, CO, CO2, P4 and related species. It is shown that the use of highly electron-rich and reactive metalates in small molecule activation translates into impressive catalytic properties in the hydrogenation of organic molecules and the reduction of N2, CO, and CO2. The results discussed in this review illustrate that the potential of transition metalate anions is increasingly being tapped for challenging catalytic processes with relevance to organic synthesis and energy conversion. Therefore, it is hoped that this review will serve as a useful resource to inspire further developments in this dynamic research field.

NHC-Stabilized Mixed Group 13/14/15 Element Hydrides

The syntheses of novel N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) adducts of group 13, 14 and 15 element hydrides are reported. Salt metathesis reactions between NaPH2 and IDipp ⋅ GeH2 BH2 OTf (1) (IDipp=1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) led to mixtures of the two isomers IDipp ⋅ GeH2 BH2 PH2 (2 a) and IDipp ⋅ BH2 GeH2 PH2 (2 b); by altering the reaction conditions an almost exclusive formation of 2 b was achieved. Attempts to purify mixtures of 2 a and 2 b by re-crystallization from THF afforded a salt [IDipp ⋅ GeH2 BH2  ⋅ IDipp][PHGeH2 BH2 PH2 BH2 GeH2 ] (4) that contains the novel anionic cyclohexyl-like inorganic heterocycle [PHGeH2 BH2 PH2 BH2 GeH2 ]- . In addition, the borane adducts IDipp ⋅ GeH2 BH2 PH2 BH3 (3 a) and IDipp ⋅ BH2 GeH2 PH2 BH3 (3 b) as even longer chain compounds were obtained from reactions of 2 a/2 b with H3 B ⋅ SMe2 and were studied by NMR spectroscopy. Accompanying DFT computations give insight into the mechanism and energetics associated with 2 a/2 b isomerization as well as their decomposition pathways.

Unusual cleavage of phosphaalkynes triple bond in the coordination sphere of transition metals

The reaction of RCP (R = Me, tBu, iPr) with Co2(CO)8 and Fe2(CO)9 under mild conditions led to unpredictable fragmentations of the CP triple bond and subsequent formation of clusters with a dimeric Co3E (E = P and RC) and an Fe3P(CR) core, respectively.

Synthesis and Reactivity of Hetero-Pnictogen Diazonium Analogs Stabilized by Transition Metal Units

The reactivity of the mixed dipnictogen complexes [{CpMo(CO)2 }2 (μ,η2 : 2 -PE)] (E=P, As, Sb) towards different group 14 electrophiles is reported. The resulting library of cationic compounds [{CpMo(CO)2 }2 (μ,η2 : 2 -EPR)]+ (R=Mes (2,4,6-C6 H2 Me3 ), CH3 , CPh3 , SnMe3 ) represents formally inorganic diazonium homologs which are stabilized by transition metal units. Modifying the steric and electronic properties of the electrophile drastically impacts the respective P-R bond lengths and is accompanied by increasing (SnMe3 >CPh3 >CH3 ) dynamic behavior in solution. In contrast to the well-studied organic analogs, the prepared compounds are stable at room temperature. The subsequent reaction of the model substrate [{CpMo(CO)2 }2 (μ,η2 : 2 -P2 Me)][OTf] ([OTf]- =[CF3 SO3 ]- ) with different N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) leads to an addition at the unsubstituted P atom which is also predicted by computational methods. NMR spectroscopy confirms the formation of two isomers sync/gauche-[{CpMo(CO)2 }(μ,η2 : 1 -P(NHC)PMe){CpMo(CO)2 }][OTf]. X-ray crystallographic characterization and additional DFT calculations shed light on the spatial arrangement as well as on the possible formation pathways of the isomers.

SiP-heterocycles derived from a bulky phosphanylsilylene

Bis(1-adamantyl)phosphanylsilylene 1 was reacted with ArCCR (Ar = Ph, 4-iPr-C6H4, 3-F-C6H4; R = H, Ph) at 80 °C under microwave irradiation to afford fluorescence-active SiP-heterocycles 3a-d, which may undergo unique isomerizations starting from silirene intermediates. Moreover, the treatment of 1 with AdCP furnished a heavy congener of cyclopentadiene (4), whose formation involves cleavage of the Si(II)-P bond that is rarely observed in silylene chemistry.

Reactions of nickel boranyl compounds with pnictogen-carbon triple bonds

The catalytic conversion of unsaturated small molecules such as nitriles into reduced products is of interest for the production of fine chemicals. In this vein, metal-ligand cooperativity has been leveraged to promote such reactivity, often conferring stability to bound substrate - a balancing act that may offer activation at the cost of turnover efficiency. This report describes the reactivity of a [(diphosphine)Ni] compound with pnictogen carbon triple bonds (R-C[triple bond, length as m-dash]E; E = N, P), where the diphosphine contains two pendant borane groups. For E = N, cooperative nitrile coordination is observed to afford {Ni}₂ complexes displaying B-N interactions, whereas for E = P, B-P interactions are absent. This work additionally outlines a structure-activity relationship that uses nitrile dihydroboration as a model reaction to unveil the effect of SCS stabilization, employing [(diphosphine)Ni] where the diphosphine contains 0, 1, or 2 pendant Lewis acid groups.

Diverse Reactions of o-Carborane-Fused Silylenes with C≡E (E = C, P) Triple Bonds

The reactivities of o-carborane-fused silylenes toward molecules with C≡E (E = C, P) bonds are reported. The reactions of bis(silylene) [(LSi:)C]₂B₁₀H₁₀ (1a, L = PhC(NtBu)₂) with arylalkynes afforded bis(silylium) carborane adducts 2 and 3, showing a Si(μ-C₂)Si structure with an open-cage nido-carborane backbone. In contrast, the reaction of 1a with a phosphaalkyne AdC≡P (Ad = 1-adamantyl) smoothly furnished compound 4, comprising fused CPSi rings with a C=Si double bond and Si-Si single bond, and the related formation mechanism was investigated by DFT calculations. Furthermore, when monosilylene [(LSi:)C]CHB₁₀H₁₀ (1b) was employed to react with AdC≡P, compound 5 was isolated. The structure of 5 features a 1,2,3-triphosphetene core. All products were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and/or X-ray crystallography.

Bis(imidazolium)-1,3-diphosphete-diide: A Building Block for FeC2 P2 Complexes and Clusters

Reaction of the 6π-electron aromatic four-membered heterocycle (IPr)₂ C₂ P₂ (1) (IPr=1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazol-2-ylidene) with [Fe₂ CO₉ ] gives the neutral iron tricarbonyl complex [Fe(CO)₃ -η³ -{(IPr)₂ C₂ P₂ }] (2). Oxidation with two equivalents of the ferrocenium salt, [Fe(Cp)₂ ](BArF₂₄ ), affords the dicationic tricarbonyl complex [Fe(CO)₃ -η⁴ -{(IPr)₂ C₂ P₂ }](BArF₂₄ )₂ (4). The one-electron oxidation proceeds under concomitant loss of one CO ligand to give the paramagnetic dicarbonyl radical cation complex [Fe(CO)₂ -η⁴ -{(IPr)₂ C₂ P₂ }](BArF₂₄ ) (5). Reduction of 5 allows the preparation of the neutral dicarbonyl complex [Fe(CO)₂ -η⁴ -{(IPr)₂ C₂ P₂ }] (6). An analysis by various spectroscopic techniques (⁵⁷ Fe Mössbauer, EPR) combined with DFT calculations gives insight into differences of the electronic structure within the members of this unique series of iron carbonyl complexes, which can be either described as electron precise or Wade-Mingos clusters.

An Iron-Catalyzed Route to Dewar 1,3,5-Triphosphabenzene and Subsequent Reactivity

The application of an alkyne cyclotrimerization regime with an [Fe(salen)]2 -μ-oxo (1) catalyst to triphenylmethylphosphaalkyne (2) yields gram-scale quantities of 2,4,6-tris(triphenylmethyl)-Dewar-1,3,5-triphosphabenzene (3). Bulky lithium salt LiHMDS facilitates a rearrangement of 3 to the 1,3,5-triphosphabenzene valence isomer (3'), which subsequently undergoes an intriguing phosphorus migration reaction to form the ring-contracted species (3''). Density functional theory calculations provide a plausible mechanism for this rearrangement. Given the stability of 3, a diverse array of unprecedented transformations was investigated. We report novel crystallographically characterized products of successful nucleophilic/electrophilic addition and protonation/oxidation reactions.

Recent advances in stable main group element radicals: preparation and characterization

Radical species are significant in modern chemistry. Their unique chemical bonding and novel physicochemical properties play significant roles not only in fundamental chemistry, but also in materials science. Main group element radicals are usually transient due to their high reactivity. Highly stable radicals are often stabilized by π-delocalization, sterically demanding ligands, carbenes and weakly coordinating anions in recent years. This review presents the recent advances in the synthesis, characterization, reactivity and physical properties of isolable main group element radicals.

Reduction of tert-butylphosphaalkyne and trimethylsilylnitrile with magnesium(I) dimers

We report on the reactivity of magnesium(I) dimers, [Mg(nacnac)]₂ (nacnac = HC[C(Me)N(2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)]₂ ([^DippLMg]₂) and HC[C(Me)N(2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂)]₂ ([^MesLMg]₂)), towards the phosphaalkyne ^tBuCP. The steric profile of the magnesium(I) dimer results in selectivity for different products. The larger diisopropylphenyl derivative yields exclusively the monomeric dimagnesiated phosphaalkene [^DippLMg]PC(^tBu)([^DippLMg]) (1), while the mesityl derivative facilitates reductive coupling of two phosphaalkyne equivalents to give access to the 1,3-diphosphacyclobutadienediide [^MesLMg]₂[(^tBu)₂C₂P₂](2). The reactivity differs in coordinating solvents such as THF, which allowed for the observation of C-P coupled products. For sake of comparison, reactions of magnesium(I) compounds with Me₃SiCN were carried out. In contrast to the reactions involving ^tBuCP, these afforded 1,3-diazabutadienediyl complexes via reductive coupling and silyl migration processes.

Phosphorus-Atom Transfer from Phosphaethynolate to an Alkylidyne

A low-spin and mononuclear vanadium complex, (Me nacnac)V(CO)(η2 -P≡Ct Bu) (2) (Me nacnac- =[ArNC(CH3 )]2 CH, Ar=2,6-i Pr2 C6 H3 ), was prepared upon treatment of the vanadium neopentylidyne complex (Me nacnac)V≡Ct Bu(OTf) (1) with Na(OCP)(diox)2.5 (diox=1,4-dioxane), while the isoelectronic ate-complex [Na(15-crown-5)]{([ArNC(CH2 )]CH[C(CH3 )NAr])V(CO)(η2 -P≡Ct Bu)} (4), was obtained via the reaction of Na(OCP)(diox)2.5 and ([ArNC(CH2 )]CH[C(CH3 )NAr])V≡Ct Bu(OEt2 ) (3) in the presence of crown-ether. Computational studies suggest that the P-atom transfer proceeds by [2+2]-cycloaddition of the P≡C bond across the V≡Ct Bu moiety, followed by a reductive decarbonylation to form the V-C≡O linkage. The nature of the electronic ground state in diamagnetic complexes, 2 and 4, was further investigated both theoretically and experimentally, using a combination of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, UV/Vis and NMR spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements, and comparison of salient bond metrics derived from X-ray single-crystal structural characterization. In combination, these data are consistent with a low-valent vanadium ion in complexes 2 and 4. This study represents the first example of a metathesis reaction between the P-atom of [PCO]- and an alkylidyne ligand.

Low-oxidation state cobalt-magnesium complexes: ion-pairing and reactivity

Magnesium cobaltates (Arnacnac)MgCo(COD)2 (1-3) were synthesised by reacting (Arnacnac)MgI(OEt2) with K[Co(η4-COD)2] (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) [Arnacnac = CH(ArNCMe)2; Ar = 2,4,6-Me3-C6H2 (Mes), 2,6-Et2-C6H3 (Dep), 2,6-iPr2-C6H3Mes (Dipp)]. Compounds 1-3 form contact ion-pairs in toluene, while solvent separated ion-pairs are formed in THF. The effect of ion-pairing on the reactivity is illustrated by reaction of 2 with tert-butylphosphaalkyne, which affords distinct 1,3-diphosphacyclobutadiene complexes. The heteroleptic sandwich complex [(Depnacnac)MgCo(P2C2tBu2)]2 (4) is selectively formed in toluene, while the homoleptic bis(1,3-diphosphacyclobutadiene) complex [(Depnacnac)Mg(THF)3][Co(P2C2tBu2)2] (5) is obtained in THF. Complex 4 is a precursor to further unusual phosphaorganometallic compounds. Substitution of the labile COD ligand in 4 by white phosphorus (P4) enabled the synthesis of the phosphorus-rich sandwich compound [(Depnacnac)MgCoP4(P2C2tBu2)]2 (6). The heterobimetallic complex (Cp*NiP2C2tBu2)Co(COD) (7) was isolated after treatment of 4 with Cp*Ni(acac) (Cp* = C5Me5, acac = acetylacetonate).

Activation of Di-tert-butyldiphosphatetrahedrane: Access to (tBuCP)n (n=2, 4) Ligand Frameworks by P-C Bond Cleavage

The first mixed phosphatetrahedranes were reported only recently and their reactivity is virtually unexplored. Herein, we present a reactivity study on di‐tert‐butyldiphosphatetrahedrane (1), which is the dimer of tert‐butylphosphaalkyne. The (tBuCP)₂ tetrahedron is activated selectively by N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) nickel(I) and nickel(0) complexes, resulting in novel complexes featuring diverse (tBuCP)_n‐frameworks (n=2, 4). Release of the (tBuCP)₄ framework from one of the complexes was achieved by addition of CO gas. Furthermore, 1 can be used as a source for P₂ units by elimination of di‐tert‐butylacetylene in the coordination sphere of nickel.

Di-tert-butyldiphosphatetrahedrane as a building block for phosphaalkenes and phosphirenes

The remarkable 'mixed' diphosphatetrahedrane (tBuCP)2 (1) - which is both the elusive dimeric form of the phosphaalkyne tBuCP and an isolobal analogue of the important industrial feedstock P4 - was recently isolated for the first time; however, its chemistry remains unexplored. Herein we report that treatment of 1 with various N-heterocyclic carbenes readily yields unusual, unsaturated organophosphorus motifs. These results demonstrate the significant potential of 1 as a building block for the synthesis of previously unknown organophosphorus compounds.

Synthesis of compounds with C-P-P and C[double bond, length as m-dash]P-P bond systems based on the phospha-Wittig reaction

A reactivity study of a β-diketiminate titanium(iii) phosphanylphosphido complex [^MeNacNacTi(Cl){η²-P(SiMe₃)-PtBu₂}] (1) towards ketones such as benzophenone, 9-fluorenone, acetophenone, cyclopentanone, cyclohexanone and cycloheptanone is reported. The reactions of 1 with aromatic ketones (without α-protons) directly lead to the Ti(iii) complex [^MeNacNacTi(μ²-Cl)(OSiMe₃)] (5) and Ti(iv) complexes with the pinacol condensation product [^MeNacNacTi(OSiMe₃)(η²-pinacolate)] (3), and phosphanylphosphaalkenes Ph₂C[double bond, length as m-dash]P-PtBu₂ (2) and (fluorenyl)C[double bond, length as m-dash]P-PtBu₂ (6), respectively. The reaction with acetophenone leads to the titanium(iii) complex with the aldol condensation product as ligand [^MeNacNacTi(Cl){OC{Me(Ph)}CH₂(C[double bond, length as m-dash]O)Ph}] (8) and in parallel to phosphanylphosphaalkene (Ph)MeC[double bond, length as m-dash]P-PtBu₂ (9) and 5. The reactions of 1 with cyclic ketones (cyclopentanone and cyclohexanone) lead to Ti(iii) complexes [{(ArN[double bond, length as m-dash]C(Me)CHC(Me)[double bond, length as m-dash]NAr)((CH₂)₄CO)}Ti(Cl){PtBu₂-P(SiMe₃)((CH₂)₄CO)}] (10) and [{(ArN[double bond, length as m-dash]C(Me)CHC(Me)[double bond, length as m-dash]NAr)((CH₂)₅CO)}Ti(Cl){PtBu₂-P(SiMe₃)((CH₂)₅CO)}] (11), which are formed via the successive insertion of two molecules of ketone to one molecule of 1. The stability investigation of complexes 10 and 11 in a polar solvent (THF) revealed that under these conditions, the complexes decompose, resulting in titanium(iii) complexes with aldol condensation products and the expected phosphanylphosphaalkenes (CH₂)₄C[double bond, length as m-dash]P-PtBu₂ (10a) and (CH₂)₅C[double bond, length as m-dash]P-PtBu₂ (11a). In the reaction of 1 with cycloheptanone, only the Ti(iii) complex with the aldol condensation product [^MeNacNacTi(Cl){OC(CH₂)₆}CH(C[double bond, length as m-dash]O)(CH₂)₅] (12) was isolated. The structures 3, 5, 8, 10, 11, 11b and 12 were characterized by X-ray spectroscopy, while all the phosphanylphosphaalkenes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy.

Mixed Phosphatetrahedranes

P-yramids: Tetrahedranes are highly strained molecules, and the all-carbon (CtBu)₄ and all-phosphorus species P₄ have been known for decades and centuries, respectively. Despite this, the mixed P/C tetrahedranes were unknown until recently when the syntheses of the phosphatetrahedranes P(CtBu)₃ and P₂ (CtBu)₂ were reported by the research groups of Cummins and Wolf.

Isomerism and dynamic behavior of bridging phosphaalkynes bound to a dicopper complex

A dicopper complex featuring a symmetrically bridging nitrile ligand and supported by a binucleating naphthyridine-based ligand, [Cu₂(μ-η ¹ :η ¹ -MeCN)DPFN](NTf₂)₂, was treated with phosphaalkynes (RC[triple bond, length as m-dash]P, isoelectronic analogues of nitriles) to yield dicopper complexes that exhibit phosphaalkynes in rare μ-η ²:η ² binding coordination modes. X-ray crystallography revealed that these unusual "tilted" structures exist in two isomeric forms (R "up" vs. R "sideways"), depending on the steric profile of the phosphaalkyne's alkyl group (R = Me, Ad, or ^t Bu). Only one isomer is observed in both solution and the solid state for R = Me (sideways) and ^t Bu (up). With intermediate steric bulk (R = Ad), the energy difference between the two geometries is small enough that both are observed in solution, and NMR spectroscopy and computations indicate that the solid-state structure corresponds to the minor isomer observed in solution. Meanwhile, treatment of [Cu₂(μ-η ¹:η ¹-MeCN)DPFN](NTf₂)₂ with 2-butyne affords [Cu₂(μ-η ²:η ²-(MeC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CMe))DPFN](NTf₂)₂: its similar ligand geometry demonstrates that the tilted μ-η ²:η ² binding mode is not limited to phosphaalkynes but reflects a more general trend, which can be rationalized via an NBO analysis showing maximization of π-backbonding.

Synthesis of 1,2,4-azadiphosphole derivatives based on vanadium-catalyzed [2+2+1] cycloaddition reactions of azobenzenes with phosphaalkynes

A new synthetic method is described to construct 1,2,4-azadiphosphole derivatives based on vanadium-catalyzed [2+2+1] cycloaddition reactions. Reactions of azobenzenes as nitrogen sources with phosphaalkynes as phosphorous counterparts in the presence of VCl₂(thf)₂ as a catalyst afford the corresponding 1,2,4-azadiphospholes.

Vanadium-catalyzed [2+2+1] cycloaddition reactions opened a new access to phosphorous-heterocycles.

Di-tert-butyldiphosphatetrahedrane: Catalytic Synthesis of the Elusive Phosphaalkyne Dimer

While tetrahedranes as a family are scarce, neutral heteroatomic species are all but unknown, with the only reported example being AsP₃. Herein, we describe the isolation of a neutral heteroatomic X₂Y₂ molecular tetrahedron (X, Y=p‐block elements), which also is the long‐sought‐after free phosphaalkyne dimer. Di‐tert‐butyldiphosphatetrahedrane, (tBuCP)₂, is formed from the monomer tBuCP in a nickel‐catalyzed dimerization reaction using [(NHC)Ni(CO)₃] (NHC=1,3‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene (IMes) and 1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene (IPr)). Single‐crystal X‐ray structure determination of a silver(I) complex confirms the structure of (tBuCP)₂. The influence of the N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand on the catalytic reaction was investigated, and a mechanism was elucidated using a combination of synthetic and kinetic studies and quantum chemical calculations.

Synthesis of metallophosphaalkenes by reaction of organometallic nucleophiles with a phosphaethynolato-borane

We describe the reaction of a phosphaethynolato-borane [B]OCP ([B] = N,N'-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-1,3,2-diazaboryl) with the organometallic nucleophile Na[Cp*Fe(CO)2] (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl). The electrophilic character of [B]OCP allows for a new route towards the formation metal-phosphorus bonds affording a metallophosphaalkene that can be functionalised at both the oxygen and phosphorus atoms depending on the reagents employed.

1,3-Diphosphacyclobutene Cobalt Complexes

The synthesis and characterization of rare 1,3-diphosphacyclobutene transition-metal complexes is described. Reactions of the cobalt-hydride complex [Co(P₂ C₂ tBu₂ )₂ H] (G) with nBuLi, tBuLi, or PhLi afforded [Li(solv)_x {Co(η³ -P₂ C₂ tBu₂ HR)(η⁴ -P₂ C₂ tBu₂ )}] (1: R=nBu, (solv)_x =(Et₂ O)₂ ; 2: R=tBu, (solv)_x =(thf)₂ ; 3: R=Ph, (solv)_x =(Et₂ O)(thf)₂ ), with an η³ -coordinated 1,3-diphosphacyclobutene ligand as a result of organyl-anion attack at one of the phosphorus atoms of the bis(1,3-diphosphacyclobutadiene) backbone. In contrast to the reactions with PhLi, the aryl-magnesium compounds p-tolyl magnesium chloride and p-fluorophenyl magnesium bromide deprotonate [Co(P₂ C₂ tBu₂ )₂ H] to give the magnesium salt [Mg(MeCN)₆ ][Co(η⁴ -P₂ C₂ tBu₂ )₂ ]₂ (4), which contains a bis(1,3-diphosphacyclobutadiene)-cobaltate anion. The [Co(η⁴ -P₂ C₂ tBu₂ )₂ ]^- anions are well separated from the octahedral [Mg(MeCN)₆ ]²⁺ cation in the molecular structure of 4. Compound 1 reacts with Me₃ SiCl to give neutral [Co(η³ -P₂ C₂ tBu₂ HnBu)(η⁴ -P₂ C₂ tBu₂ SiMe₃ )] (5, 52 % yield) with an SiMe₃ group attached to one of the P atoms of the previously unfunctionalized backbone.

Oligomerization of phosphaalkynes mediated by bulky N-heterocyclic carbenes: avenues to novel phosphorus frameworks

Reactions of RCP (R = tBu or Ad (admantyl)) with NHCs (SIMes, 1a; IMes, 1b and IDipp, 1d), leading to 1,2,3-triphosphetenes 2 and 3, a triphosphole 4, and a di-1,2-dihydro-1,2-diphosphete-substituted diphosphene 5, are reported.

Small molecule activation by boron-containing heterocycles

Most of the chemical and biological processes involving the fixation and transformation of small molecules have long been exclusive for metal complexes. Meanwhile, the last decades have seen a significant advance in main group chemistry that mimics transition-metal complexes, among which various boron-containing systems have been successful in mediating the small molecule activation. In this review, we focus on boron-containing heterocycles enabling the activation of σ- and π-bonds in small molecules, in conjunction with the proposed mechanisms.

Metastable phosphorus neutral monoradical: a key intermediate in the bicyclic cage formation

A key intermediate in the formation of a bicyclic cage formed between a biradical (LCP)₂ (L = carbene) and an unsaturated substrate via a [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction has been isolated and fully characterized including by X-ray diffraction analysis.

Functionalization of 1,3-diphosphacyclobutadiene cobalt complexes via Si–P bond insertion

We report the synthesis of functionalized 1,3-bis(diphosphacyclobutadiene) complexes via the insertion of carbon-oxygen bonds of ethers, esters, aldehydes and amides into the P–Si bond of silylated complexes. Reactions of [K(tol)2][Co(η 4-P2C2R2)2] [[K(tol)2][1a]: R=tBu, [K(tol)2][1b]: R=tPent (=tert-pentyl)] with Me3SiCl afford the trimethylsilyl-substituted derivatives [Co(η 4-P2C2R2SiMe3)(η 4-P2C2R2)] (2a, b, R=tBu, tPent). The Me3Si group is connected to a phosphorus atom of one of the 1,3-diphosphacyclobutadiene ligands. 2a, b readily react with organic substrates containing C–O single and C=O double bonds at ambient temperature. [Co(η 4-P2C2R2(CH2)4OSiMe3)(η 4-P2C2R2)] (3a, b) are formed by reaction of 2a, b with traces of THF. They can also be isolated by reacting the THF solvates [K(thf)2{Co(P2C2 tBu2)2}] ([K(thf)2][1a]) and [K(thf)3{Co(P2C2 tPent2)2}] ([K(thf)3][1b]) with Me3SiCl in toluene or THF. The adamantyl-substituted complex [Co(η 4-P2C2Ad2(CH2)4OSiMe3)(η 4-P2C2Ad2)] (3c) was prepared analogously from [K(thf)4{Co(P2C2Ad2)2}] and Me3SiCl. [K(thf)2][1a] reacts cleanly with Ph3SnCl affording [Co(η 4-P2C2 tBu2SnPh3)(η 4-P2C2 tBu2)] (4) in high yield. Reaction of 2a with styrene oxide affords [Co(η 4-P2C2 tBu2PhC2H3OSiMe3)(η 4-P2C2 tBu2)] (5) as a single regioisomer. By contrast, multinuclear NMR spectroscopic studies indicate mixtures of two isomeric insertion products 6/6′ and 7/7′, respectively, which result from the insertion of 1,2-epoxy-2-methylpropane and 1,2-epoxyoctane. Moreover, these monitoring studies show that reactions of 2a with acyclic ethers afford alkyl substituted complexes such as [Co(η 4-P2C2 tBu2Et)(η 4-P2C2 tBu2)] (8) and alkylsilyl ethers. Reaction of 2a with γ-butyrolactone gives [Co(η 4-P2C2 tBu2(CH2)3C(O)OSiMe3)(η 4-P2C2 tBu2)] (9) via cleavage of the endocyclic C–O single bond of the lactone. Benzaldehyde and acetone cleanly react with 2a to [Co(η 4-P2C2 tBu2CH(Ph)OSiMe3)(η 4-P2C2 tBu2)] (10) and [Co(η 4-P2C2 tBu2CMe2OSiMe3)(η 4-P2C2 tBu2)] (11), while the sterically more demanding ketones 3-pentanone and acetophenone selectively yield the known hydride complex [Co(η 4-P2C2 tBu2)2H] (A). Phenyl isocyanate reacts with 2a at elevated temperature to form [Co(η 3-P2C2 tBu2CON(Ph)SiMe3)(η 4-P2C2 tBu2)] (12) with a functionalized η 3-coordinated ligand. [K(tol)2][1a], [K(tol)2][1b], 2a, 2b, 3a–c, 4, 5, and 9–12 were isolated and characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy and elemental analysis. [K(tol)2][1b], 2a, 2b, 3c, 4, 5, and 9–12 were additionally characterized by X-ray crystallography.

1,1'-Binaphthyl-substituted diphosphene: synthesis, structures, and chiral optical properties

1,1'-Binaphthyl-substituted diphosphene 1 possessing a P[double bond, length as m-dash]P double bond and an axially chiral 1,1'-binaphthyl group was synthesized and fully characterized. Diphosphene 1 was prepared as an optically active form and thus is the first example of a chiral diphosphene. The CD spectra of 1 showed apparent circular dichroism in the longer wavelength region, caused by the P[double bond, length as m-dash]P moiety.