A Transient Vinylphosphinidene via a Phosphirene–Phosphinidene Rearrangement

Carbene-Assisted Arene Ring-Opening

Despite the significant achievements in dearomatization and C-H functionalization of arenes, the arene ring-opening remains a largely unmet challenge and is underdeveloped due to the high bond dissociation energy and strong resonance stabilization energy inherent in aromatic compounds. Herein, we demonstrate a novel carbene assisted strategy for arene ring-opening. The understanding of the mechanism by our DFT calculations will stimulate wide application of bulk arene chemicals for the synthesis of value-added polyconjugated chain molecules. Various aryl azide derivatives now can be directly converted into valuable polyconjugated enynes, avoiding traditional synthesis including multistep unsaturated precursors, poor selectivity control, and subsequent transition-metal catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. The simple conditions required were demonstrated in the late-stage modification of complex molecules and fused ring compounds. This chemistry expands the horizons of carbene chemistry and provides a novel pathway for arene ring-opening.

Hydrogen-Bonded Complex of the Parent Phosphinidene

The diatomic molecule PH is very reactive, and it serves as the parent compound for phosphinidenes featuring a monovalent phosphorus atom. Herein, we report the characterization and reactivity of a rare hydrogen-bonded complex of PH. Specifically, the molecular complex between PH and HCl has been generated by photolysis of chlorophosphine (H2PCl) at 254 nm in a solid Ar-matrix at 10 K. The IR spectrum of the complex HP⋅⋅⋅HCl and quantum chemical calculations at the UCCSD(T)-F12a/haTZ level consistently prove that the phosphorus atom acts as a hydrogen bond acceptor with a binding energy (D0) of -0.6 kcal mol-1. In line with the observed absorption at 341 nm for the binary complex, the triplet phosphinidene PH undergoes prototype H-Cl bond insertion by reformation of H2PCl upon photoexcitation at 365 nm. However, this hydrogen-bonded complex is unstable in the presence of N2 and HCl, as both molecules prefers stronger interactions with HCl than PH in the observed complexes HP⋅⋅⋅HCl⋅⋅⋅N2 and HP⋅⋅⋅2HCl.

Recent advances in the chemistry of isolable carbene analogues with group 13-15 elements

Carbenes (R2C:), compounds with a divalent carbon atom containing only six valence shell electrons, have evolved into a broader class with the replacement of the carbene carbon or the RC moiety with main group elements, leading to the creation of main group carbene analogues. These analogues, mirroring the electronic structure of carbenes (a lone pair of electrons and an empty orbital), demonstrate unique reactivity. Over the last three decades, this area has seen substantial advancements, paralleling the innovations in carbene chemistry. Recent studies have revealed a spectrum of unique carbene analogues, such as monocoordinate aluminylenes, nitrenes, and bismuthinidenes, notable for their extraordinary properties and diverse reactivity, offering promising applications in small molecule activation. This review delves into the isolable main group carbene analogues that are in the forefront from 2010 and beyond, spanning elements from group 13 (B, Al, Ga, In, and Tl), group 14 (Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb) and group 15 (N, P, As, Sb, and Bi). Specifically, this review focuses on the potential amphiphilic species that possess both lone pairs of electrons and vacant orbitals. We detail their comprehensive synthesis and stabilization strategies, outlining the reactivity arising from their distinct structural characteristics.

A Ruthenophosphanorcaradiene as a Synthon for an Ambiphilic Metallophosphinidene

Reaction of the ruthenium carbene complex Cp*(IPr)RuCl (1) (IPr = 1,3-bis(Dipp)imidazol-2-ylidene; Dipp = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) with sodium phosphaethynolate (NaOCP) led to intramolecular dearomatization of one of the Dipp substituents on the Ru-bound carbene to afford a Ru-bound phosphanorcaradiene, 2. Computations by DFT reveal a transition state characterized by a concerted process whereby CO migrates to the Ru center as the P atom adds to the π system of the aryl group. The phosphanorcaradiene possesses ambiphilic properties and reacts with both nucleophilic and electrophilic substrates, resulting in rearomatization of the ligand aryl group with net P atom transfer to give several unusual metal-bound, P-containing main-group moieties. These new complexes include a metallo-1-phospha-3-azaallene (Ru─P═C═NR), a metalloiminophosphanide (Ru─P═N─R), and a metallophosphaformazan (Ru─P(═N─N═CPh2)2). Reaction of 2 with the carbene 2,3,4,5-tetramethylimidazol-2-ylidene (IMe4) produced the corresponding phosphaalkene DippP═IMe4.

Preparation and Photochemistry of Parent Triplet Vinylarsinidene

Vinyl pnictinidenes are an elusive family of molecules that have been suggested as key intermediates in multiple chemical reactions and commonly display a predisposition toward open-shell electronic ground states (as is evident from quantum chemical computations). However, owing to their expected extremely high reactivity, no vinyl pnictinidene has ever been isolated and characterized spectroscopically. Here, we report the synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of vinylarsinidene, a higher congener of vinylnitrene. As we demonstrate, triplet vinylarsinidene can be prepared through the low-temperature photolysis of diazidovinylarsine at 10 K in an argon matrix. The title compound can also be generated through high-vacuum flash pyrolysis of the diazide at 700 °C and trapped analogously. Triplet vinylarsinidene was characterized by IR and UV/vis spectroscopy and displayed remarkably rich unimolecular photochemistry. Upon selective photoirradiation, it rearranges to vinylidenearsine, 2H-arsirene, triplet ethynylarsinidene or an arsinidene (H-As) acetylene complex. The formation mechanisms of these products were rationalized with DFT and CASPT2 computations.

Phosphinidenes: Fundamental Properties and Reactivity

Phosphinidenes are heavy congeners of nitrenes that have been broadly used as in situ reagents in synthetic phosphorus chemistry and also serve as versatile ligands in coordination with transition metals. However, the detection of free phosphinidenes is largely challenged by their high reactivity and also the lack of suitable synthetic methods, rendering the knowledge about the fundamental properties of this class of low-valent phosphorus compounds limited. Recently, an increasing number of free phosphinidenes bearing prototype structural and bonding properties have been prepared for the first time, thus enabling the exploration of their distinct reactivity from the nitrene analogues. This Concept article will discuss the experimental approaches for the generation of the highly unstable phosphinidenes and highlight their distinct reactivity from the nitrogen analogues so as to stimuate future studies about their potential applications in phosphorus chemistry.

Reversible Boron-Insertion into Aromatic C-C Bonds

Formation of borabicyclo[3.2.0]heptadiene derivatives was achieved via boron-insertion into aromatic C-C bonds in the photo-promoted skeletal rearrangement reaction of triarylboranes bearing an ortho-phosphino substituent (ambiphilic phosphine-boranes). The borabicyclo[3.2.0]heptadiene derivatives were fully characterized by NMR and X-ray analyses. The dearomatized products were demonstrated to undergo the reverse reaction in the dark at room temperature, realizing photochemical and thermal interconversion between triarylboranes and boron-doped bicyclic systems. Experimental and theoretical studies revealed that sequential two electrocyclic reactions involving E/Z-isomerization of an alkene moiety proceed via a highly strained trans-borepin intermediate.

A Guanidine-Supported π-Complex of Germanium Amenable to Intramolecular C-C Cleavage in Arene and Ge Atom Transfer

The germylone dimNHCGe (dimNHC=diimino N-heterocyclic carbene) reacts with azides N3 R (R=SiMe3 or p-tolyl) to furnish the first examples of germanium π-complexes, i. e. guanidine-ligated compounds (dimNHI-SiMe3 )Ge (NHI=N-heterocyclic imine, R=SiMe3 ) and (dimNHI-Tol)Ge (R=p-tolyl). DFT calculations suggest that these species are formed by a Staudinger type replacement of dinitrogen in the azide by a nucleophilic germylone, leading to a transient carbene adduct of iminogermylidene. Heating a solution of compound (dimNHI-SiMe3 )Ge to 70 °C results in extrusion of the iminogermylidene that further aggregates to produce the known [Me3 SiNGe]4 tetramer, whereas the imidazolylidene fragment transforms into an unusual heptatriene species that can be considered as a product of carbene insertion into the C-C bond of a pendant Ar substituent at the imidazolylidene nitrogen of the dimNHC. Reaction of (dimNHI-SiMe3 )Ge with tetrachloro-o-benzoquinone results in the net transfer of a germanium atom and formation of the free diimino-guanidine ligand. This ligand also forms when (dimNHI-SiMe3 )Ge is treated with azide N3 (p-Tol), with the germanium product being [(p-Tol)NGe]n.

Dearomatization of C6 Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Main Group Complexes

The dearomatization reaction is a powerful method for transformation of simple aromatic compounds to unique chemical architectures rapidly in synthetic chemistry. Over the past decades, the chemistry in this field has evolved significantly and various important organic compounds such as crucial bioactive molecules have been synthesized through dearomatization. In general, photochemical conditions or assistance by transition metals are required for dearomatization of rigid arenes. Recently, main-group elements, especially naturally abundant elements in the Earth's crust, have attracted attention as they have low toxicity and are cost-effective compared to the late transition metals. In recent decades, a variety of low-valent main-group molecules, which enable the activation of stable aromatic compounds under mild conditions, have been developed. This minireview highlights the developments in the chemistry of dearomatization of C6 aromatic hydrocarbons by main-group compounds leading to the formation of seven-membered EC6 (E=main-group elements) ring or cycloaddition products.

Carbon-carbon bond activation by Mg, Al, and Zn complexes

Examples of carbon-carbon bond activation reactions at Mg, Al, and Zn are described in this review. Several distinct mechanisms for C-C bond activation at these metals have been proposed, with the key C-C bond activation step occurring by (i) α-alkyl elimination, (ii) β-alkyl elimination, (iii) oxidative addition, or (iv) an electrocyclic reaction. Many of the known pathways involve an overall 2-electron redox process. Despite this, the direct oxidative addition of C-C bonds to these metals is relatively rare, instead most reactions occur through initial installation of the metal on a hydrocarbon scaffold (e.g. by a cycloaddition reaction or hydrometallation) followed by an α-alkyl or β-alkyl elimination step. Emerging applications of Mg, Al, and Zn complexes as catalysts for the functionalisation of C-C bonds are also discussed.

Heteroatom-Based Diradical(oid)s

Heteroatom-centered diradical(oid)s have been in the focus of molecular main group chemistry for nearly 30 years. During this time, the diradical concept has evolved and the focus has shifted to the rational design of diradical(oid)s for specific applications. This review article begins with some important theoretical considerations of the diradical and tetraradical concept. Based on these theoretical considerations, the design of diradical(oid)s in terms of ligand choice, steric, symmetry, electronic situation, element choice, and reactivity is highlighted with examples. In particular, heteroatom-centered diradical reactions are discussed and compared with closed-shell reactions such as pericyclic additions. The comparison between closed-shell reactivity, which proceeds in a concerted manner, and open-shell reactivity, which proceeds in a stepwise fashion, along with considerations of diradical(oid) design, provides a rational understanding of this interesting and unusual class of compounds. The application of diradical(oid)s, for example in small molecule activation or as molecular switches, is also highlighted. The final part of this review begins with application-related details of the spectroscopy of diradical(oid)s, followed by an update of the heteroatom-centered diradical(oid)s and tetraradical(oid)s published in the last 10 years since 2013.

Terminal methylene phosphonium ions: precursors for transient monosubstituted phosphinocarbenes

Isolable singlet carbenes are among the most important tools in chemistry, but generally require the interaction of two substituents with the electron deficient carbon atom. We herein report a synthetic approach to monosubstituted phosphinocarbenes via deprotonation of hitherto unknown diprotic terminal methylene phosphonium ions. Two methylene phosphonium salts bearing bulky N-heterocyclic imine substituents at the phosphorus atom were isolated and fully characterized. Deprotonation studies indicate the formation of transient monosubstituted carbenes that undergo intermolecular cycloadditions or intramolecular Buchner ring expansion to afford a cycloheptatriene derivative. The reaction mechanism of the latter transformation was elucidated using DFT calculations, which reveal the ambiphilic nature of the phosphinocarbene enabling the insertion into the aromatic C-C bond. Additional computational studies on the role of substituent effects are presented.

Probing a General Strategy to Break the C-C Bond of Benzene by a Cyclic (Alkyl)(Amino)Aluminyl Anion

The oxidative addition of C-C bonds in aromatic hydrocarbons by low valent main group species has attracted considerable attention from both theoretical and experimental chemists due to the big challenge in breaking their aromaticity. Herein, a general strategy to break the C-C bonds in benzene by cyclic (alkyl)(amino)aluminyl anion is demonstrated via density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results suggest that the activation of the C-C bond of benzene by this anion is both kinetically and thermodynamically unfavorable whereas introducing electron-withdrawing groups makes such C-C bond activation becomes favorable both kinetically and thermodynamically. Such a sharp change on the kinetics and thermodynamics could be rationalized by the frontier molecular orbital theory by decreasing the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals of the mono- and disubstituted benzenes. Aromaticity is found to stabilize the transition state for the ring open step. All these findings can help develop the chemistry of small-molecule activation.

An Air-Stable "Masked" Bis(imino)carbene: A Carbon-Based Dual Ambiphile

Carbenes, once considered laboratory curiosities, now serve as powerful tools in the chemical and material sciences. To date, all stable singlet carbenes are single-site ambiphiles. Here we describe the synthesis of a carbene which is a carbon-based dual ambiphile (both single-site and dual-site). The key is to employ imino substituents derived from a cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC), which imparts a 1,3-dipolar character to the carbene. Its dual ambiphilic nature is consistent with the ability to activate simple organic molecules in both 1,1- and 1,3-fashion. Furthermore, its 1,3-ambiphilicity facilitates an unprecedented reversible intramolecular dearomative [3 + 2] cycloaddition with a proximal arene substituent, giving the carbene the ability to "mask" itself as an air-stable cycloadduct. We perceive that the concept of dual ambiphilicity opens a new dimension for future carbene chemistry, expanding the repertoire of applications beyond that known for classical single-site ambiphilic carbenes.

Room Temperature Intermolecular Dearomatization of Arenes by an Acyclic Iminosilylene

A novel nontransient acyclic iminosilylene (1), bearing a bulky super silyl group (-Si^tBu₃) and N-heterocyclic imine ligand with a methylated backbone, was prepared and isolated. The methylated backbone is the feature of 1 that distinguishes it from the previously reported nonisolable iminosilylenes, as it prevents the intramolecular silylene center insertion into an aromatic C-C bond of an aryl substituent. Instead, 1 exhibits an intermolecular Büchner-ring-expansion-type reactivity; the silylene is capable of dearomatization of benzene and its derivatives, giving the corresponding silicon analogs of cycloheptatrienes, i.e. silepins, featuring seven-membered SiC₆ rings with nearly planar geometry. The ring expansion reactions of 1 with benzene and 1,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzene are reversible. Similar reactions of 1 with N-heteroarenes (pyridine and DMAP) proceed more rapidly and irreversibly forming the corresponding azasilepins, also with nearly planar seven-membered SiNC₅ rings. DFT calculations reveal an ambiphilic nature of 1 that allows the intermolecular aromatic C-C bond insertion to occur. Additional computational studies, which elucidate the inherent reactivity of 1, the role of the substituent effect, and reaction mechanisms behind the ring expansion transformations, are presented.

Insight into fragmentation of a phosphirane to form phosphinidene complexes: an illustration with the 1-phenylselenylphosphirane W(CO)5 complex

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations with 1-phenylselenylphosphirane complex 1 provide an insight into phosphirane fragmentation to phosphinidene complexes. FMO and ELF analyses show that the cleavage of two P-C σ bonds of phosphirane proceeds via an asynchronous concerted pathway. Transient [PhSeP-W(CO)₅] was generated by dissociation of 1 at 90 °C and trapped with different reagents. The 1-phenoxylphosphirane complex undergoes [1 + 2] retroaddition at a comparatively higher temperature which implies that the lone pair of the adjacent atom center of phosphorus plays a major role in phosphirane fragmentation.

Intramolecular Activation of Enones by Electrophilic Phosphinidene Complexes to Construct 2-Phosphafurans

Herein, we report a facile and highly atom-economic approach to 2-phosphafurans by using simple 2-chloroethylphosphine and acetylenic ketones. The key step of this protocol utilizes the Lewis acidity of electrophilic phosphinidenes to induce an intramolecular cyclization with enones. Dearomative hetero-Diels-Alder reactions of 2-phosphafurans provide two series of bicyclic phosphacycles. This rare synthetic application of Lewis acidity of electrophilic phosphinidene complexes represents a new frontier of phosphinidene chemistry.

Phosphenic isocyanate (O2PNCO): Gas-phase generation, characterization, and photodecomposition reactions

Phosphenic isocyanate (O2PNCO), a novel phosphorus-containing small molecule has been generated by thermolysis of a dioxaphospholane-based precursor. The characterization of O2PNCO with IR and UV-vis spectroscopy in solid N2 and...

Enantioselective formal [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of 1,3,5-triazinanes to construct tetrahydropyrimidin-4-one derivatives

A chiral Lewis acid-catalyzed enantioselective formal [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of 1,3,5-triazinanes with azlactones or β,γ-unsaturated pyrazole amides was developed to synthesize chiral tertiary/quaternary tetrahydropyrimidin-4-one derivatives with good yields and enantioselectivities. Two competitive reaction pathways were proposed based on experiments.

Metathesis of P=C Bonds Catalyzed by N-Heterocyclic Carbenes

The catalytic metathesis of C=C bonds is a textbook reaction that has no parallel in the widely studied area of multiple bonds involving heavier p-block elements. A high-yielding P=C bond metathesis of phosphaalkenes (ArP=CPh₂ , Ar=Mes, o-Tol, Ph) has been discovered that is catalyzed by N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC=Me₂ IMe, Me₂ Iⁱ Pr). The products are cyclic oligomers formally derived from ArP=PAr [i. e. cyclo-(ArP)_n ; n=3, 4, 5, 6] and Ph₂ C=CPh₂ . Preliminary mechanistic studies of this remarkable transformation have established NHC=PAr (Ar=Mes, o-Tol, Ph) as key phosphinidene transfer agents. In addition, novel cyclic intermediates, such as, cyclo-(ArP)₂ CPh₂ and cyclo-(ArP)₄ CPh₂ have also been observed. This work represents a rare application of non-metal-based catalysts for transformations involving main-group elements.

Cleaving arene rings for acyclic alkenylnitrile synthesis

Synthetic chemistry is built around the formation of carbon-carbon bonds. However, the development of methods for selective carbon-carbon bond cleavage is a largely unmet challenge^1-6. Such methods will have promising applications in synthesis, coal liquefaction, petroleum cracking, polymer degradation and biomass conversion. For example, aromatic rings are ubiquitous skeletal features in inert chemical feedstocks, but are inert to many reaction conditions owing to their aromaticity and low polarity. Over the past century, only a few methods under harsh conditions have achieved direct arene-ring modifications involving the cleavage of inert aromatic carbon-carbon bonds^7,8, and arene-ring-cleavage reactions using stoichiometric transition-metal complexes or enzymes in bacteria are still limited^9-11. Here we report a copper-catalysed selective arene-ring-opening reaction strategy. Our aerobic oxidative copper catalyst converts anilines, arylboronic acids, aryl azides, aryl halides, aryl triflates, aryl trimethylsiloxanes, aryl hydroxamic acids and aryl diazonium salts into alkenyl nitriles through selective carbon-carbon bond cleavage of arene rings. This chemistry was applied to the modification of polycyclic aromatics and the preparation of industrially important hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid derivatives. Several examples of the late-stage modification of complex molecules and fused ring compounds further support the potential broad utility of this methodology.

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.

Chemoselective C-C σ-Bond Activation of the Most Stable Ring in Biphenylene*

The chemoselective cleavage of a six-membered aromatic ring in biphenylene is reported using an aluminum(I) complex. This type of selectivity is unprecedented. In every example of transition metal mediated C-C σ-bond activation reported to date, the reaction occurs at the central four-membered ring of biphenylene. Insight into the origin of chemoselectivity was obtained through a detailed mechanistic analysis (isolation of an intermediate, DFT studies, activation strain analysis). In conclusion, the divergent reactivity can be attributed to differences in both the symmetry and radial extension of the frontier molecular orbitals of the aluminum(I) fragment compared to that of common transition metal fragments.

Cleavage of the Inert C(sp2)-Ar σ-Bond of Alkenes by a Spatial Constrained Interaction with Phosphinidene

[1 + 2] cycloaddition is a classical reaction between the electrophilic phosphinidene and an alkene. However, a spatial constraint blocks this well-known reaction and enables an unprecedented chemoselective C(sp²)-Ar σ-bond insertion of the alkene. The theoretical calculations demonstrate that this C-C bond cleavage is energetically feasible and thermodynamically favored through an electrophilic rearrangement and concomitant 1,9-aryl migration without involving any strained intermediate.

The chemistry of phosphirane-substituted phosphinidene complexes

Thermolysis of the 1,1'-biphosphirane pentacarbonylmetal complex offers access to 3,4-dihydro-1,2-diphosphete and diphosphorus (P2) intermediates. A control reaction proves that this step-wise reaction is initiated by the dissociation of a W(CO)5 group. DFT calculations predict that further transformations proceed via a transient phosphiranylphosphinidene complex. The formation of the 3,4-dihydro-1,2-diphosphete derivative is thermodynamically favored, while a kinetic process provides the diphosphorus (P2) complex.

Activation and Functionalization of C-C σ Bonds of Alkylidene Cyclopropanes at Main Group Centers

Aluminum(I) and magnesium(I) compounds are reported for the C-C σ-bond activation of strained alkylidene cyclopropanes. These reactions result in the formal addition of the C-C σ bond to the main group center either at a single site (Al) or across a metal-metal bond (Mg-Mg). Mechanistic studies suggest that rather than occurring by a concerted oxidative addition, these reactions involve stepwise processes in which substrate binding to the main group metal acts as a precursor to α- or β-alkyl migration steps that break the C-C σ bond. This mechanistic understanding is used to develop the magnesium-catalyzed hydrosilylation of the C-C σ bonds of alkylidene cyclopropanes.

BNN-1,3-dipoles: isolation and intramolecular cycloaddition with unactivated arenes

The mono-base-stabilized 1,2-diboranylidenehydrazine derivatives featuring a 1,3-dipolar BNN skeleton are obtained by dehydrobromination of [ArB(Br)NH]₂ (Ar = 2,6-diphenylphenyl (Dpp), Ar = 2,6-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)phenyl (Dmp) or Ar = 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl (Mes*)) with N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs). Depending on the Ar substituents, such species can be isolated as a crystalline solid (Ar = Mes*) or generated as reactive intermediates undergoing spontaneous intramolecular aminoboration of the proximal arene rings via [3 + 2] cycloaddition (Ar = Dpp or Dmp). The latter reactions showcase the 1,3-dipolar reactivity toward unactivated arenes at ambient temperature. In addition, double cycloaddition of the isolable BNN species with two CO₂ molecules affords a bicyclic species consisting of two fused five-membered BN₂CO rings. The electronic structures of these BNN species and the mechanisms of these cascade reactions are interrogated through density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Divergent uranium- versus phosphorus-based reduction of Me3SiN3 with steric modification of phosphido ligands

We describe an example of a two-electron metal- and ligand-based reduction of Me₃SiN₃ using uranium(iv) complexes with varying steric properties. Reaction of (C₅Me₅)₂U(CH₃)[P(SiMe₃)(Ph)] with Me₃SiN₃ produces the imidophosphorane complex, (C₅Me₅)₂U(CH₃)[N Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019 ]]> P(SiMe₃)₂(Ph)] through oxidation of phosphorus. However, a similar reaction with a more sterically encumbering phosphido ligand, (C₅Me₅)₂U(CH₃)[P(SiMe₃)(Mes)] forms the U(iv) complex, (C₅Me₅)₂U[κ²-(N,N)–N(SiMe₃)P(Mes)N(SiMe₃)]. In probing the mechanism of this reaction, a U(vi) bis(imido) complex, (C₅Me₅)₂U(NSiMe₃){N[P(SiMe₃)(Mes)]} was isolated. DFT calculations show an intramolecular reductive cycloaddition reaction leads to the formation of the U(iv) bis(amido)phosphane from the U(vi) bis(imido) complex. This is a rare example of the isolation of a reaction intermediate in f element chemistry.

We describe an example of a two-electron metal- and ligand-based reduction of Me₃SiN₃ using uranium(iv) complexes with varying steric properties. With uranium-based reduction, a U(vi) intermediate is isolated.

Transition-Metal-Like Reversible Cycloadditions of [tBuSP-W(CO)5 ] with Alkenes and Alkynes

tert-Butylthiophosphinidene complex [tBuSP-W(CO)₅ ] was generated by dissociation of 1-(tert-butylthio)phosphirane-W(CO)₅ complex under mild conditions. The formation of transient [tBuSP-W(CO)₅ ] was indicated by trapping reactions with 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, alkynes, phenanthrene-9,10-dione, and methanol. The LUMO of [MeSP-W(CO)₅ ] is significantly lower in energy than those of [Me₂ NP-W(CO)₅ ], [MeOP-W(CO)₅ ], and [Me₂ PP-W(CO)₅ ]. The HOMO of [MeSP-W(CO)₅ ] contains a significant contribution from the in-plane lone pair of P and the LUMO shows a typical π* characteristic. Since stabilized by sulfur lone pair and coordinated by W(CO)₅ , [tBuSP-W(CO)₅ ] undergoes facile and reversible cycloadditions with alkenes and alkynes.

Reversible, Room-Temperature C-C Bond Activation of Benzene by an Isolable Metal Complex

The activation of C-C bonds is of fundamental interest in the construction of complex molecules from petrochemical feedstocks. In the case of the archetypal aromatic hydrocarbon benzene, C-C cleavage is thermodynamically disfavored, and is brought about only by transient highly reactive species generated in situ. Here we show that the oxidative addition of the C-C bond in benzene by an isolated metal complex is not only possible, but occurs at room temperature and reversibly at a single aluminium center in [(NON)Al]^- (where NON = 4,5-bis(2,6-diisopropylanilido)-2,7-di-tert-butyl-9,9-dimethylxanthene). Selectivity over C-H bond activation is achieved kinetically and allows for the generation of functionalized acyclic products from benzene.

A Three-Membered Cyclic Phosphasilene

Small unsaturated phosphacycles are versatile reagents owing to their strain and the added functionality of the double bond and the phosphorus lone pair. Herein we report the synthesis and isolation of the smallest possible cyclic phosphasilene as a stable adduct with an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC). First reactivity studies show a) that the PSi₂ ring is a competent ligand to the Fe(CO)₄ fragment via the phosphorus lone pair and b) that the abstraction of the NHC by BPh₃ results in the rapid head-to-head or head-to-tail dimerization of the PSi₂ unit. The relatively facile NHC cleavage indicates that the P=Si double bond is available for further manipulation.

Free Radical Reactivity of a Phosphaalkene Explored Through Studies of Radical Isotopologues

Muonium (Mu), an H atom analogue, is employed to probe the addition of free radicals to the P=C bond of a phosphaalkene. Specifically, two unprecedented muoniated free radicals, MesP^. -CMu(Me)₂ (1 a, minor product) and MesPMu-C^. Me₂ (1 b, major product), were detected by muon spin spectroscopy (μSR) when a solution of MesP=CMe₂ (1: Mes=2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) was exposed to a beam of positive muons (μ⁺ ). The μ⁺ serves as a source of Mu (that is, Mu=μ⁺ +e^- ). To confirm the identity of the major product 1 b, its spectral features were compared to its isotopologue, MesPH-C^. (Me)CH₂ Mu (2 a). Conveniently, 2 a is the sole product of the reaction of MesPH(CMe=CH₂ ) (2) with Mu. For all observed radicals, muon, proton, and phosphorus hyperfine coupling constants were determined by μSR and compared to DFT-calculated values.

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.

Facile Cleavage of the P=P Double Bond in Vinyl-Substituted Diphosphenes

The reactions of the cyclic alkyl amino carbene (CAAC) 1 with phosphaalkynes generate the kinetically unstable CAAC-derived phosphirenes 4 and 5, which undergo rearrangement/dimerization reactions to give the vinyl-substituted diphosphenes 2, 3, and 6. The P=P double bond scission of 2 or 3 is unprecedentedly effected by S₈ , [AuCl(tht)], or MeOTf at room temperature, which affords a dithiophosphorane 7, a phosphepine Au complex 8, or phosphepinium cations 9 and 10, respectively. The cationic species feature little homoaromaticity while representing the first examples of the phosphorus-containing analogue of the tropylium ion.