1,8‐Bis[(dimethoxy)phosphino]naphthalene: A New Bis‐phosphonite Ligand with a Rigid C3‐Backbone and Unexpected Reaction Chemistry

1,8‐Bis[(diethylamino)phosphino]naphthalene ( 1 ) reacted with dry methanol in dichloromethane to form the new bis‐phosphonite ligand 1,8‐bis[(dimethoxy)phosphino]naphthalene (dmeopn, 2 ). By oxidation of 2 with H₂O₂ · (H₂N)₂C(:O) the corresponding bis‐phosphonate, 1,8‐bis[(dimethoxy)phosphoryl]naphthalene ( 3 ), was obtained quantitatively. Reaction of 3 with phosphorus trichloride unexpectedly furnished a 2.4 : 1 mixture of the bis‐phosphonate anhydrides rac‐ and meso‐1,3‐dimethoxy‐1,3‐dioxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1,3‐diphospha‐2‐oxaphenalene (rac‐ 4 and meso‐ 4 ) from which rac‐ 4 could be fractionally crystallised. The bis‐phosphonite 2 behaved as a normal bidentate chelate ligand towards Mo⁰ and Pd^II, and furnished the complexes [(dmeopn)Mo(CO)₄] ( 5 ) and [(dmeopn)PdCl₂] ( 6 ) when treated with [(nor)Mo(CO)₄] or [(cod)PdCl₂] (nor = norbornadiene, cod = cycloocta‐1,8‐diene). Attempts to prepare 1,8‐diphosphinonaphthalene ( 7 ) by reducing 2 or 3 with LiAlH₄ or LiAlH₄/TMSCl (1 : 1) (TMSCl = trimethyl chlorosilane) in THF led to inseparable mixtures of phosphorus‐containing products. Compounds 2 – 6 were characterised by ¹H‐, ¹³C‐, and ³¹P‐NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. X‐ray crystal structure analyses were carried out for the bis‐phosphonate anhydride rac‐ 4 and the palladium(II) complex 6 . The geometry of compound rac‐ 4 , in which the phosphorus atoms are connected by an oxygen atom, reveals a relief of strain from the bis‐phosphine 1 , whereas the 1,8‐P,P′‐naphthalenediyl group in 6 is surprisingly distorted; the P atoms are displaced from the naphthalene best plane by –46.7 and 54.5 pm.     

1,2σ3λ3-Oxaphosphetanes and Their P-Chalcogenides—A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

Although 1,2σ⁵λ⁵-oxaphosphetanes have been known for a long time, the “low-coordinate” 1,2σ³λ³-oxaphosphetanes have only been known since their first synthesis in 2018 via decomplexation. Apart from ligation of this P-heterocycle to gold(I)chloride and the oxidation using ortho-chloranil, nothing on their chemistry has been reported so far. Herein, we describe the synthesis of new 1,2σ³λ³-oxaphosphetane complexes (3a–e) and free derivatives (4a–e), as well as reactions of 4a with chalcogens and/or chalcogen transfer reagents, which yielded the P-chalcogenides (14–16a; Ch = O, S, Se). We also report on the theoretical results of the reaction pathways of C-phenyl-substituted 1,2 σ³λ³-oxaphosphetanes and ring strain energies of 1,2σ⁴λ⁵-oxaphosphetane P-chalcogenides.     

A Novel Phenylene Topology: Total Syntheses of Zigzag [4]- and [5]Phenylene

In agreement with theory , the title compounds 1 and 2, which were prepared by CpCo-catalyzed cycloisomerizations of appropriate oligoalkynylbenzenes, display physical properties that are in contrast with those of the corresponding linear isomers, but that are very similar to those of the angular topomers.     

η2(π)‐Coordination of a Bis‐Phosphonio‐Benzophospholide Cation: A Novel Complexation Mode for Unsaturated Phosphorus Heterocycles

The bis‐phosphonio‐benzo[c]phospholide tetraphenylborate 4 [BPh₄] reacts with CpCo(C₂H₄)₂ to form a chelate complex [Co(η⁵–Cp)(κ²P,η²(P=C) –4 )][BPh₄] ( 6 [BPh₄]) which was characterized by means of spectroscopic techniques and a single crystal X‐ray diffraction study. The observed η²(π)‐coordination of the benzophospholide moiety in the cation 6 is highly unusual for aromatic phosphorus heterocycles. The structural data suggest a pronounced coordination‐induced localization of π‐electrons in the condensed ring system.     

Preparation of Furo[3,2‐c]coumarins from 3‐Cinnamoyl‐4‐hydroxy‐2H‐chromen‐2‐ones and Acyl Chlorides: A Bu3P‐Mediated C‐Acylation/Cyclization Sequence

A Bu₃P‐mediated cyclization reaction of 3‐cinnamoyl‐4‐hydroxy‐2H‐chromen‐2‐ones though electrophilic addition of acyl chlorides towards the synthesis of highly functionalized furo[3,2‐c]coumarins bearing a phosphorus ylide moiety is described. These unprecedented cyclization reaction proceeds under mild reaction conditions within short reaction times (1 min to 1 h), and can be further applied in the synthesis of alkenyl‐substituted furo[3,2‐c]coumarins by the treatment with carbonyl electrophiles under basic conditions.     

Facile Synthesis and Properties of 2‐λ5‐Phosphaquinolines and 2‐λ5‐Phosphaquinolin‐2‐ones

Treatment of 2‐ethynylanilines with P(OPh)₃ gives either 2,2‐diphenoxy‐2‐λ⁵‐phosphaquinolines or 2‐phenoxy‐2‐λ⁵‐phosphaquinolin‐2‐ones under transition‐metal‐free conditions. This reaction offers access to an underexplored heterocycle, which opens up the study of the fundamental nature of the N?P^V double bond and its potential for delocalization within a cyclic π‐electron system. This heterocycle can serve as a carbostyril mimic, with application as a bioisostere for pharmaceuticals based on the 2‐quinolinone scaffold. It also holds promise as a new fluorophore, since initial screening reveals quantum yields upwards of 40 %, Stokes shifts of 50–150 nm, and emission wavelengths of 380–540 nm. The phosphaquinolin‐2‐ones possess one of the strongest solution‐state dimerization constants for a D–A system (130 M ^?1) owing to the close proximity of a strong acceptor (P?O) and a strong donor (phosphonamidate N? H), which suggests that they might hold promise as new hydrogen‐bonding hosts for optoelectronic sensing.     

Metalated 1, 3‐Azaphospholes: η1‐(1H‐1, 3‐Benzazaphosphole‐P)M(CO)5 and μ2‐[(1, 3‐Benzazaphospholide‐P)(cyclopentadienide)nickel] Complexes

1H‐1, 3‐Benzazaphospholes react with M(CO)₅(THF) (M = Cr, Mo, W) to give thermally and relatively air stable η¹‐(1H‐1, 3‐Benzazaphosphole‐P)M(CO)₅ complexes. The ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR‐data are in accordance with the preservation of the phosphaaromatic π‐system of the ligand. The strong upfield ³¹P coordination shift, particularly of the Mo and W complexes, forms a contrast to the downfield‐shifts of phosphine‐M(CO)₅ complexes and classifies benzazaphospholes as weak donor but efficient acceptor ligands. Nickelocene reacts as organometallic species with metalation of the NH‐function. The resulting ambident 1, 3‐benzazaphospholide anions prefer a μ₂‐coordination of the η⁵‐CpNi‐fragment at phosphorus to coordination at nitrogen or a η³‐heteroallyl‐η⁵‐CpNi‐semisandwich structure. This is shown by characteristic NMR data and the crystal structure analysis of a η⁵‐CpNi‐benzazaphospholide. The latter is a P‐bridging dimer with a planar Ni₂P₂ ring and trans‐configuration of the two planar heterocyclic phosphido ligands arranged perpendicular to the four‐membered ring.     

Noncovalent Lone Pair⋅⋅⋅(No‐π!)‐Heteroarene Interactions: The Janus‐Faced Hydroxy Group

A comparative study using NMR spectroscopy and designed top‐pan molecular balances demonstrates that the noncovalent interaction of a hydroxy group with π‐deficient pyrazine and quinoxaline units involves a lone pair–heteroarene interaction which is much stronger and solvent independent when measured relative to the classical π‐facial hydrogen bond to a benzene ring. Alkyl fluorides also prefer the heteroarene rings over the benzene ring. The attractive interaction between a quinoxaline and a terminal alkyne is also stronger than the intramolecular hydrogen bond to an arene.     

Regioregular Synthesis of Azaborine Oligomers and a Polymer with a syn Conformation Stabilized by NH⋅⋅⋅π Interactions

The regioregular synthesis of the first azaborine oligomers and a corresponding conjugated polymer was accomplished by Suzuki–Miyaura coupling methods. An almost perfectly coplanar syn arrangement of the heterocycles was deduced from an X‐ray crystal structure of the dimer, which also suggested that N? H???π interactions play an important role. Computational studies further supported these experimental observations and indicated that the electronic structure of the longer azaborine oligomers and polymer resembles that of poly(cyclohexadiene) more than poly(p‐phenylene). A comparison of the absorption and emission properties of the polymer with those of the oligomers revealed dramatic bathochromic shifts upon chain elongation, thus suggesting highly effective extension of conjugation.     

Synthetic Utility of Stable Phosphanylcarbenes: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of an α‐(Lithiomethylene)phosphorane

The first crystallographically characterized phosphonium yldiide 2 was obtained in a simple reaction by addition of n‐butyllithium to the stable phosphanyl(silyl)carbene 1 . R=cHex₂N.     

Transition from π Radicals to σ Radicals: Substituent‐Tuned Cyclization of Hydrazonyl Radicals

Hydrazonyl radicals are known for their π‐electronic structures; however, their σ‐electronic structures have not been reported as yet. Herein, we show that readily accessible β,γ‐ and γ,δ‐unsaturated N‐trichloroacetyl and N‐trifluoroacetyl hydrazones can be conveniently converted into hydrazonyl σ radicals, which subsequently undergo 5‐exo‐trig radical cyclization at the N¹ or N² atom to form pyrazolines and azomethine imines, respectively.     

Electron Transport through Single π‐Conjugated Molecules Bridging between Metal Electrodes

Understanding electron transport through a single molecule bridging between metal electrodes is a central issue in the field of molecular electronics. This review covers the fabrication and electron‐transport properties of single π‐conjugated molecule junctions, which include benzene, fullerene, and π‐stacked molecules. The metal/molecule interface plays a decisive role in determining the stability and conductivity of single‐molecule junctions. The effect of the metal–molecule contact on the conductance of the single π‐conjugated molecule junction is reviewed. The characterization of the single benzene molecule junction is also discussed using inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy and shot noise. Finally, electron transport through the π‐stacked system using π‐stacked aromatic molecules enclosed within self‐assembled coordination cages is reviewed. The electron transport in the π‐stacked systems is found to be efficient at the single‐molecule level, thus providing insight into the design of conductive materials.     

The Crystal and Molecular Structure of γ‐P4S6

The crystal and molecular structure of γ‐P₄S₆ was determined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. It crystallizes monoclinically in the space group P2₁/m (No. 11) with a = 6.627(3) Å, b = 10.504(7) Å, c = 6.878(3) Å, β = 90.18(4)°, V = 478.8(4) ų, and Z = 2. The structure consists of cage‐like P₄S₆ molecules with C_S symmetry arranged with the topology of a cubic close packing.     

Platinum(II) Complexes of P‐Chiral 1, 8‐Bis(diorganophosphino)naphthalenes; Crystal Structures of dmfppn,rac‐[PtCl2(dmfppn)], and rac‐[PtCl2(dtbppn)] (dmfppn = 1, 8‐di(methyl‐pentafluorophenylphosphino)naphthalene and dtbppn = 1, 8‐di(tert‐butylphenylphosphino)naphthalene)

The reaction of 1, 8‐dilithionaphthalene 2 , with 2 equivalents of rac‐Me(C₆F₅)PCl, gave a 6 : 1 mixture of rac‐ and meso‐1, 8‐di(methyl‐pentafluorophenylphosphino)naphthalene (dmfppn, rac‐ 3h and meso‐ 3h ), but no reaction was observed when the sterically crowded rac‐tBu(C₆F₅)PCl was used. In ³¹P NMR experiments, rac‐ 3h and mmeso‐ 3h exhibited characteristic signals (virtual quintets), which indicate that there is significant coupling through space (³J_PF + ⁷ J_PF ≈ 15 Hz). Compound rac‐ 3h was isolated by fractional crystallisation and treated with aqueous H₂O₂ to yield the corresponding bis‐phosphine dioxide, rac‐ 7h . In contrast to rac‐ 3h , there was no sign of through‐space coupling in rac‐ 7h , which again illustrates that the latter operates via the lone pairs at phosphorus. Platinum(II) complexes were prepared from the new, P‐chiral chelate rac‐ 3h , and the related ligand 1, 8‐di(tert‐butylphenylphosphino) naphthalene (rac‐dtbppn, rac‐ 3e ). All isolated new compounds were characterised by multinuclear NMR and IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. Single‐crystal X‐ray structure determinations were performed for rac‐dmfppn (rac‐ 3h ), rac‐[PtCl₂(dtbppn)] (rac‐ 17e ), and rac‐[PtCl₂(dmfppn)] (rac‐ 17h ). rac‐ 3h displays crystallographic twofold symmetry. In rac‐ 17h , the electron‐withdrawing effect of the C₆F₅ groups causes a shortening of the P_t—P bond to ca. 220 pm (cf. 223 pm in rac‐ 17e ).