Stabilization and Transfer of the Transient [Mes∗P4]- Butterfly Anion Using BPh3

Jaap E. Borger, Andreas W. Ehlers, Martin Lutz, J. Chris Slootweg, Koop Lammertsma

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The transient bicyclo[1.1.0]tetraphosphabutane anion, generated from white phosphorus (P4) and Mes∗Li (Mes∗=2,4,6-tBu3C6H2), can be trapped by BPh3 in THF. This Lewis acid stabilized anion can be used as an [RP4]- transfer agent, reacting cleanly with neutral Lewis acids (B(C6F5)3, BH3, and W(CO)5) to afford unique singly and doubly coordinated butterfly anions, and with the trityl cation to form a neutral, nonsymmetrical, all-carbon-substituted P4derivative. This reaction path enables a simple, stepwise functionalization of white phosphorus. Trap and transfer: The bicyclo[1.1.0]tetraphosphabutane anion (see scheme, center), generated from P4 and Mes∗Li (Mes∗=2,4,6-tBu3C6H2), can be trapped by BPh3 in THF. The anion can be used as an [RP4]- transfer agent, reacting with neutral Lewis acids (B(C6F5)3, BH3, and W(CO)5) to afford unique singly and doubly coordinated butterfly anions and with the trityl cation to form a neutral, nonsymmetrical P4 derivative.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)613-617
Number of pages5
JournalAngewandte Chemie - International Edition
Volume55
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11 Jan 2016

Keywords

  • Lewis acids
  • anions
  • boranes
  • organophosphorus compounds
  • phosphorus

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • General Chemistry

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