Synthesis and Reactions of the First Room Temperature Stable Li/Cl Phosphinidenoid Complex

Challenging an old paradigm by demonstrating transition metal-like chemistry at a neutral nonmetal center

We describe nonmetal adducts of the phosphorus center of terminal phosphinidene complexes using classical C- and N-ligands from metal coordination chemistry. The nature of the L-P bond has been analyzed by various theoretical methods including a refined method on the variation of the Laplacian of electron density ∇2ρ along the L-P bond path. Studies on thermal stability reveal stark differences between N-ligands such as N-methyl imidazole and C-ligands such as tert-butyl isocyanide, including ligand exchange reactions and a surprising formation of white phosphorus. A milestone is the transformation of a nonmetal-bound isocyanide into phosphaguanidine or an acyclic bisaminocarbene bound to phosphorus; the latter is analogous to the chemistry of transition metal-bound isocyanides, and the former reveals the differences. This example has been studied via cutting-edge DFT calculations leading to two pathways differently favored depending on variations in steric demand. This study reveals the emergence of organometallic from coordination chemistry of a neutral nonmetal center.

A novel access to phosphanylidene-phosphorane complexes via P-donor substitution and a detailed bonding analysis

Phospha-Wittig reagents such as phosphanylidene-phosphoranes and their transition metal complexes are of great interest as sources of P1 building blocks but the access is still limited. Herein, we describe a new access to phosphanylidene-phosphorane complexes starting from the N-methylimidazole-to-phosphinidene complex adduct. The complexes were studied electrochemically and theoretically, also with respect to their 31P NMR data, and the P-P bonds were evaluated by various DFT-derived descriptors.

Synthesis of a carborane-substituted bis(phosphanido) cobaltate(i), ligand substitution, and unusual P4 fragmentation

Oxidative addition of the P-P single bond of an ortho-carborane-derived 1,2-diphosphetane (1,2-C2(PMes)2B10H10) (Mes = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2) to cobalt(-i) and nickel(0) sources affords the first heteroleptic complexes of a carborane-bridged bis(phosphanido) ligand. The complexes also incorporate labile ligands suitable for further functionalisation. Thus, the cobalt(i) complex [K([18]crown-6)][Co{1,2-(PMes)2C2B10H10}(cod)] (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) bearing a labile cyclooctadiene ligand undergoes facile ligand exchange reactions with isonitriles and tert-butyl phosphaalkyne with retention of the bis(phosphanido) ligand. However, in the reaction with one equivalent of P4, the electron-rich bis(phosphanido) moiety abstracts a single phosphorus atom with formation of a new P3 chain, while the remaining three P atoms derived from P4 form an η3-coordinating cyclo-P3 ligand. In contrast, when the same reaction is performed with two equivalents of the cobalt(i) complex, a dinuclear product is formed which features an unusual P4 chain in its molecular structure.

Dimerization and Cycloaddition Reactions of Transient Tri-tert-butylphosphacyclobutadiene Generated by Lewis Acid Induced Isomerization of Tri-tert-butylphosphatetrahedrane

Tri-tert-butylphosphatetrahedrane (1) is shown here to act as a synthon of isomeric tri-tert-butylphosphacyclobutadiene in the presence of a Lewis acid or transition-metal complex. When it is combined with a substoichiometric amount of triphenylborane, compound 1 forms a ladderane-type dimer of tri-tert-butylphosphacyclobutadiene in 72% isolated yield. Trapping of a generated intermediate was achieved by repeating the experiment in the presence of excess styrene (20 equiv) or ethylene (1 atm), and the corresponding [4 + 2] cycloadducts of tri-tert-butylphosphacyclobutadiene were isolated in 88% and 74% yields, respectively. The platinum complex (Ph₃P)₂Pt(C₂H₄) also reacts with 1 to form an orange η² complex of tri-tert-butylphosphacyclobutadiene in 80% isolated yield. Additionally, we report a novel method for generating a phosphinidenoid species via fluoride-induced trimethylsilyl fluoride elimination, leading to an improved preparative procedure for 1 (182 mg, 33% isolated yield).

Analysis of Non-innocence of Phosphaquinodimethane Ligands when Charge and Aromaticity Come into Play

Several phosphaquinodimethanes and their M(CO)5 complexes (M=Cr, Mo, W) and model derivatives have been theoretically investigated regarding the quest of non-innocence. Computed structural and electronic properties of the P-Me/NH2 substituted phosphaquinodimethanes and tungsten complexes revealed an interesting non-innocent ligand behaviour for the radical anion complexes with distonic ion character and a strong rearomatization of the middle phenyl ring. The latter was further probed taking also geometric aromaticity (HOMA) and quinoid distortion parameters (HOMQc) into account, as well as NICS(1). Furthermore, the effect of the P-substitution was investigated for real (or plausible) complexes and their free ligands focusing on the resulting aromaticity at the middle phenyl ring and vertical one-electron redox processes. The best picture of ligand engagement in redox changes was provided by representing NICS(1) values versus HOMA and the new geometric distortion parameter HOMQc8.

M/X Phosphinidenoid Metal Complex Chemistry

ConspectusLike singlet carbenes and silylenes, transient electrophilic terminal phosphinidene complexes enabled highly selective synthetic transformations, but the required multistep synthetic protocols precluded widespread use of these P₁ building blocks. By contrast, nucleophilic M/Cl phosphinidenoid complexes can be easily accessed in one step from [M(CO)_n(RPCl₂)] complexes. This advantage and the mild reaction conditions opened broad synthetic applicability that enabled access to a variety of novel compounds. The chemistry will be described in this Account, including bonding and mechanistic considerations derived from high-level density functional theory calculations.In 2007, we gained the first strong evidence for the formation of these thermally labile complexes using two different synthetic approaches: P-H deprotonation and Cl/Li exchange; the latter has become the preferred method. Intense studies revealed that steric demand of the P substituents in combination with metal complexation, a donor solvent, and/or the presence of a crown ether are necessary prerequisites for the formation and especially the usability of these intermediates as novel P₁ building blocks. Solution-phase NMR spectroscopy and solid-state X-ray diffraction studies revealed the bonding situation, i.e., a solvent-separated ion pair structure, and typical ³¹P NMR signatures of the anions. To date, we have established the following reactivity patterns for Li/Cl phosphinidenoid complexes: self-condensations (I), electrophilic and nucleophilic reactions (II), 1,1-additions (III), [2 + 1] cycloadditions (IV), ring expansions (V), and redox reactions (VI). For example, self-condensations can yield dinuclear acyclic or polycyclic diphosphane or diphosphene complexes. Their use as nucleophiles and electrophiles can be employed to access functional phosphane ligands with mixed substitution patterns. 1,1-Addition reactions were a puzzling discovery because the resulting products resembled classical P-C π-bond structures but the bonding was more of a donor-to-phosphorus adduct with significant differences in bonding parameters. Into the same category and also surprising fall formal E-H insertion reactions leading to 1,1'-bifunctional phosphane complexes. To date, the most important synthetic impact was achieved in the chemistry of strained P-heterocyclic ligands such as oxaphosphiranes and azaphosphiridines, obtained via [2 + 1] cycloadditions of the title compounds with carbonyls and imines, respectively. Ring expansions have been shown to yield 1,2-oxaphosphetanes and 1,2-thiaphosphetanes, and because of the pool of industrially important epoxides, this provides straightforward and affordable access to these novel P-heterocyclic ligands, which also promise to be of interest in catalytic applications. Recent developments describe redox transformations of Li/Cl phosphinidenoid complexes into new reactive intermediates such as complexes with open-shell P-functional phosphanyl ligands via oxidative single electron transfer reactions or into terminal electrophilic phosphinidene complexes via chloride elimination. The latter is clearly restricted to P-amino derivatives because of their enhanced π-donation capability, as evidenced in a recent study on umpolung of these reactive intermediates. While our efforts to expand M/X phosphinidenoid complex chemistry are ongoing, we want to emphasize that the development of new reactive intermediates not only improves our understanding of bonding and reactivity but also opens new perspectives in organoelement chemistry.

A case study on the conversion of Li/Cl phosphinidenoid into phosphinidene complexes

N,N-Diphenylamino- and N,N-dicyclohexylamino-substituted dichlorophosphane W(CO)₅ complexes 1a,b were used to generate thermally very labile Li/Cl phospinidenoid W(CO)₅ complexes 2a,b. The formation of transient complex 2a was confirmed via low-temperature ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy, but further strong evidence for the formation of transient complexes 2a,b was obtained from reactions with methanol and methylamine as formal E-H insertions (E = O, N) furnished complexes 3a,b and 4a. By using toluene in the absence of donor ligands, the primarily nucleophilic complexes 2a,b were converted into electrophilic terminal phosphinidene complexes 5a,b which was deduced from specific trapping reactions using tolane, 1-pentene and 1-hexene and thus obtained 1H-phosphirene 6 and phosphirane complexes 7 and8. The state-of-the-art DFT calculations reveal insights into the possible reaction pathways and exclude a direct reaction of 2a,b with alkene trapping reagents.

Formation and properties of phosphaquinomethane tungsten(0) complexes - isolation and conversion of primary radical coupling products

A rational approach to phosphaquinomethane metal(0) complexes, based on dearomatization of the phenylene unit in [W(CO)₅](R)P(Cl)-C₆H₅-CPh₂, is described, including theoretical studies on mechanisms and structures. Furthermore, the first phosphaquinone tungsten complex with reversible redox properties is reported thus illustrating the beneficial stabilization of ligation.

A synthetic equivalent for unknown 1,3-zwitterions? – A K/OR phosphinidenoid complex with an additional Si–Cl function

Although the chemistry of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) has seen tremendous developments, investigations on anionic, mono-molecular FLPs are still scarce and 1,3-zwitterions are unknown, but a functional K/OR phosphinindenoid complex can be used instead.

Organoiron- and Fluoride-Catalyzed Phosphinidene Transfer to Styrenic Olefins in a Stereoselective Synthesis of Unprotected Phosphiranes

Catalytic phosphiranation has been achieved, allowing preparation of trans-1-R-2-phenylphosphiranes (R = t-Bu: 1-t-Bu; i-Pr: 1-i-Pr) from the corresponding dibenzo-7-(R)-7-phospha-norbornadiene (RPA, A = C₁₄H₁₀, anthracene) and styrene in 73% and 57% isolated yields, respectively. The cocatalyst system requires tetramethylammonium fluoride (TMAF) and [Fp(THF)][BF₄] (Fp = Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)(CO)₂). In the case of the t-Bu derivative, the reaction mechanism was probed using stoichiometric reaction studies, a Hammett analysis, and a deuterium labeling experiment. Together, these suggest the intermediacy of iron-phosphido FpP(F)(t-Bu) (2), generated independently from the stoichiometric reaction of [Fp(t-BuPA)][BF₄] with TMAF. Two other plausible reaction intermediates, [Fp(t-BuPA)][BF₄] and [Fp(1-t-Bu)][BF₄], were prepared independently and structurally characterized.

Access and unprecedented reaction pathways of Li/Cl phosphinidenoid iron(0) complexes

Complexes [Fe(CO)₄(RPCl₂)] (2) (a: R = CPh₃, b: R = ^tBu) were used to generate the first examples of phosphinidenoid iron(0) complexes [Li(12-crown-4)(solv)_n][Fe(CO)₄(RPCl] (3a,b), characterized by NMR spectroscopy.

Effects of diminished steric protection at phosphorus on stability and reactivity of oxaphosphirane complexes

Facile synthesis of oxaphosphirane complexes II, 1,3,2-dioxaphosphol-4-ene III and 1,3,2-dioxaphospholane complexes IV from Li/Cl phosphinidenoid complexes I is described.

Ambiguous reactivity of Li/Cl phosphinidenoid complexes under redox conditions - a novel dichotomy in phosphorus chemistry

A novel ambiguous reactivity of Li/Cl phosphinidenoid complexes under redox conditions is described. The outcome of the reaction with hexafluoroacetone is highly dependent on the P-substituent as fluoride substitution occurred in the case of R = CPh₃ and C₅Me₅via a radical pathway, whereas for R = CH(SiMe₃)₂ a complex having a novel 1,2-diol-type P-ligand was obtained via a closed-shell pathway. DFT calculations reveal a new SET pathway starting with a noncovalent π-hole complex between the phosphinidenoid anion and hexafluoroacetone followed by an elimination of LiF. The second, closed-shell reaction course is strongly influenced by a noncovalent OSi interaction established after the initial nucleophilic attack.

Ring opening of a sterically crowded 1,2-oxaphosphetane complex

The first example of a ring opening reaction of a 1,2-oxaphosphetane complex is reported, i.e., water in the presence of [Li(12-crown-4)]Cl furnished a C–OH functional phosphinito complex. Employment of the latter in ring forming reactions with Me₂ECl₂ (E = Si, Ge) using different nitrogen bases is also described.

Study on the Acid-Induced Ring-Expansion of an Oxaphosphirane Complex with an Electron-Withdrawing C-Substituent

A study on the acid-induced ring-expansion reaction of the first oxaphosphirane complexes bearing an electron-withdrawing C-substituent is described. The stereoselectively obtained 1,3,4-dioxaphospholane complexes 4a–c, representing the first examples of such fluorinated ligands, were unambiguously characterized by multinuclear NMR, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.

Synthesis of a monomolecular anionic FLP complex

Despite intense research in FLP chemistry, nothing is known about monomolecular anionic FLPs and/or complexes thereof. Herein, synthesis and reaction of the first anionic FLP complex is described using [(OC)₅W{(Me₃Si)₂HCP(H)OLi(12-crown-4)}], Cy₂BCl and subsequent deprotonation by KHMDS. The obtained anionic FLP complex reacts readily with CO₂ in a concerted manner.

Synthesis and Deprotonation of Aminophosphane Complexes: First K/N(H)R Phosphinidenoid Complexes and Access to a Complex with a P2 N-Ring Ligand

Synthesis of 1,1'-bifunctional aminophosphane complexes 3 a-e was achieved by the reaction of Li/Cl phosphinidenoid complex 2 with various primary amines (R=Me, iPr, tBu, Cy, Ph). Deprotonation of complex 3 a (R=Me) with potassium hexamethyldisilazide yielded a mixture of K/NHMe phosphinidenoid complex 4 a and potassium phosphanylamido complex 4 a'. Treatment of complex 3 c (R=tBu) and e (R=Ph) with KHMDS afforded the first examples of K/NHR phosphinidenoid complexes 4 c and e. The reaction of complex 3 c with 2 molar equivalents of KHMDS followed by PhPCl₂ afforded complexes 5 c,c', which possess a P₂ N-ring ligand. All complexes were characterized by NMR, IR, MS, and microanalysis, and additionally, complexes 3 b-e and 5 c' were scrutinized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography.

CPh3 as a functional group in P-heterocyclic chemistry: elimination of HCPh3 in the reaction of P-CPh3 substituted Li/Cl phosphinidenoid complexes with Ph2CO

Li/Cl phosphinidenoid complexes 2a–c react with benzaldehyde to give 3a–c, but with benzophenone formation of complexes 4 and 5 was observed, the latter revealing the elimination of HCPh₃.

A novel route to C-unsubstituted 1,2-oxaphosphetane and 1,2-oxaphospholane complexes

The synthesis of 1,2-oxaphosphetane complexes 7 and 1,2-oxaphospholane complex 12 bearing only substituents at phosphorus is reported using the reaction of Li/Cl phosphinidenoid complex 2 with 2-iodoethanol or 3-bromo-propane-1-ol and the subsequent dehydrohalogenation using KHMDS.

Rearrangement and deoxygenation of 3,3-bis(2-pyridyl)oxaphosphirane complexes

The reaction of Li/Cl phosphinidenoid pentacarbonylmetal(0) complexes with bis(2-pyridyl)ketone led to overcrowded oxaphosphirane derivatives. They can undergo deoxygenation by Ti(iii) reagents or ring expansion via P–C cleavage followed by P–N cyclization.

On the nature of M–CO(lone pair)⋯π(arene) interactions in the solid state of fluorinated oxaphosphirane complexes

The X-ray structures of several oxaphosphirane tungsten(0) complexes exhibit interesting intramolecular W–CO(lone pair)ċπ(arene) interactions that have been rationalized by means of high-level DFT calculations and the CSD.

Going for strain: synthesis of the first 3-imino-azaphosphiridine complexes and their conversion into oxaphosphirane complex valence isomers

Reaction of a Li/Cl phosphinidenoid complex with carbodiimides yielded novel 3-imino-azaphosphiridine complexes, which was converted to the first stable valence isomer of an oxaphosphirane complex.

Li/X phosphinidenoid pentacarbonylmetal complexes: a combined experimental and theoretical study on structures and spectroscopic properties

The synthesis of P-F phosphane metal complexes [(CO)5M{RP(H)F}] 2a-c (R = CH(SiMe3)2; a: M = W; b: M = Mo; c: M = Cr) is described using AgBF4 for a Cl/F exchange in P-Cl precursor complexes [(CO)5M{RP(H)Cl}] 3a-c; thermal reaction of 2H-azaphosphirene metal complexes [(CO)5M{RP(C(Ph)═N}] 1a-c with [Et3NH]X led to complexes 3a-c, 4, and 5 (M = W; a-c: X = Cl; 4: X = Br; 5: X = I). Complexes 2a-c, 3a-c, 4, and 5 were deprotonated using lithium diisopropylamide in the presence of 12-crown-4 thus yielding Li/X phosphinidenoid metal complexes [Li(12-crown-4)(Et2O)n][(CO)5M(RPX)] 6a-c, 7a-c, 8, and 9 (6a-c: M = W, Mo, Cr; X = F; 7a-c: M = W, Mo, Cr; X = Cl; 8: M = W; X = Br; 9: M = W; X = I). This first comprehensive study on the synthesis of the title compounds reveals metal and halogen dependencies of NMR parameters as well as thermal stabilities of 6a, 7a, 8, and 9 in solution (F > Cl > Br > I). DOSY NMR experiments on the Li/F phosphinidenoid metal complexes (6a-c; M = W, Mo, Cr) rule out that the cation and anion fragments are part of a persistent molecular complex or tight ion pair (in solution). The X-ray structure of 6a reveals a salt-like structure of [Li(12-crown-4)Et2O][(CO)5W{P(CH(SiMe3)2)F}] with long P-F and P-W bond distances compared to 2a. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide additional insight into structures and energetics of cation-free halophosphanido chromium and tungsten complexes and four contact ion pairs of Li/X phosphinidenoid model complexes [Li(12-crown-4)][(CO)5M{P(R)X}] (A-D) that represent principal coordination modes. The significant increase of the compliance constant of the P-F bond in the anionic complex [(CO)5W{P(Me)F}] (10a) revealed that a formal lone pair at phosphorus weakens the P-F bond. This effect is further enhanced by coordination of lithium and/or the Li(12-crown-4) countercation (to 10a) as in type A-D complexes. DFT calculated phosphorus NMR chemical shifts allow for a consistent interpretation of NMR properties and provide a preliminary explanation for the "abnormal" NMR shift of P-Cl derivatives 7a-c. Furthermore, calculated compliance constants reveal the degree of P-F bond weakening in Li/F phosphinidenoid complexes, and it was found that a more negative phosphorus-fluorine coupling constant is associated with a larger relaxed force constant.