Metallatriazadiphosphorines of zinc(II), cadmium(II) and mercury(II)

Metallatriazadiphosphorine complexes corresponding to {N(PPh₂NR)₂}M(OAc)] and {N(PPh₂NR)₂}₂M], (R = Ph or SiMe₃; M = Zn, Cd or Hg) have been synthesized under strictly anhydrous and inert conditions by the reaction of the acyclic bis-silylated phosphazene ligand, HN(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂], or the bis-phenylated phosphazene ligand, HN(PPh₂NPh)₂], with Zn, Cd and Hg acetate in 1:1 and 2:1 molar ratios. These complexes are highly soluble in common organic solvents, but unstable hydrolytically as well as thermally, even under reduced pressure. Molecular weight determinations in benzene indicated the monomeric nature of these complexes. Further, they have been characterized on the basis of elemental analysis and spectral studies: i.r. and n.m.r. (¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P) that plausibly reveal a trigonal planar and tetrahedral geometry around the metal atom in the complexes.