[P4H]+[Al(OTeF5)4]-: protonation of white phosphorus with the Brønsted superacid H[Al(OTeF5)4](solv)

A sustainable transformation of white phosphorus (P4) into chemicals of higher value is one of the key aspects in modern phosphorus research. Even though the chemistry of P4 has been investigated for many decades, its chemical reactivity towards the simplest electrophile, the proton, is still virtually unknown. Based on quantum-chemical predictions, we report for the first time the successful protonation of P4 by the Brønsted acid H[Al(OTeF5)4](solv). Our spectroscopic results are in agreement with acid-mediated activation of P4 under protonation of an edge of the P4-tetrahedron and formation of a three-center two-electron P-H-P bond. These investigations are of fundamental interest as they permit the activation of P4 with the simplest electrophile as a new prototype reaction for this molecule.

Coordination chemistry and functionalization of white phosphorus via transition metal complexes

The chemistry of phosphorus is nowadays rivaling that of carbon in terms of complexity and diversity. This tutorial review highlights the state-of-the-art in the field of metal-mediated activation and functionalization of white phosphorus. Particular attention is given to an illustration of the coordination abilities of the intact molecule as well as the disaggregating and reaggregating metal-mediated processes resulting in different polyphosphorus ligands from P(1) to P(12). The metal-promoted P-C and P-H bond forming processes are also reviewed showing that an ecoefficient catalytic protocol for transforming P(4) into high value organophosphorus compounds is a concrete possibility for chemical companies. This tutorial review deals with the activation and functionalization of white phosphorus in the coordination sphere of transition metal complexes. Particular attention is given to the coordination abilities of the intact molecule as well as to the disaggregating and reaggregating metal-mediated processes yielding various polyphosphorus ligands from P(1) to P(12). The metal-promoted processes for P-C and P-H bond formation are also reviewed showing that an ecoefficient catalytic protocol for transforming P(4) into high value organophosphorus compounds offers good opportunities for chemical companies.