Functionalization of P₄ using a Lewis acid stabilized bicyclo[1.1.0]tetraphosphabutane anion

Reacting white phosphorus (P₄) with sterically encumbered aryl lithium reagents (aryl=2,6-dimesitylphenyl or 2,4,6-tBu₃C₆H₂) and B(C₆F₅)₃ gives the unique, isolable Lewis acid stabilized bicyclo[1.1.0]tetraphosphabutane anion. Subsequent alkylation of the nucleophilic site of the RP₄ anion gives access to non-symmetrical disubstituted bicyclic tetraphosphorus compounds. This novel method enables P-C bond formation in a controlled fashion using white phosphorus as starting material. Controlling P₄ transformations: Reacting P₄ with congested aryl lithium reagents and B(C₆F₅)₃ gives unique, Lewis acid stabilized bicyclo[1.1.0]tetraphosphabutane anions. Alkylating their nucleophilic site results in a non-symmetrical disubstituted bicyclic tetraphosphorus compound. This method enables the formation of P-C bonds in a controlled fashion using white phosphorus as the starting material.