Isolation and Characterization of Four Phosphorus Cluster Anions P73–, P144–, P162– and P264– from the Nucleophilic Functionalization of White Phosphorus with 1,4‐Dilithio‐1,3‐butadienes

Studies on the aggregation degrees of negatively charged phosphides derived from the nucleophilic P₄ functionalization could help understand the pathway of phosphorus atoms degradation or aggregation. In this report, we have isolated and characterized four phosphorus cluster anions (P₇^3–, P₁₄^4–, P₁₆^2–, and P₂₆^4–) from the nucleophilic functionalization of P₄ with 1,4‐dilithio‐1,3‐butadienes. These phosphorus clusters could be rationalized as the P‐atom‐containing products besides the main phospholyl lithium. Their structural features and ³¹P NMR behaviors are discussed based on single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis and ³¹P{¹H} COSY NMR analysis.     

Synthesis and Solvolysis of [(ω-(Dimethylphenoxysilyl)alkyl]-diphenylphosphines,Phosphine Oxides and Phosphine Sulfides

Abstract

Kinetics of base catalysed solvolytic cleavage of phenoxy group from compounds of general structure X (CH₂)nSiMe₂OPh, where n=1,2,3 and X=Me,Ph₂P, Ph₂P (p), Ph₂P(s) has been investigated. The main purpose was to study the effect of phosphorus groups on the reactivity in substitution reaction at silicon. We wanted to answer the question whether there is any direct interaction of the phosphorus groups with silicon moiety, modifying this reactivity. Complementary NMR studies have also been performed for this purpose.     

α-Fluorinated cyclic amidophosphite ligands. Their synthesis, Rh complexes and catalytic activity in the hydroformylation of styrene

The synthetic approaches to cyclic phosphite and amido(diamido)phosphite ligands bearing the residues of electron withdrawing perfluorinated tails at the β-position to the phosphorus atom have been elaborated. Catalytic systems based on rhodium complexes of these ligands formed in situ using Rh(CO)₂(acac) as a catalytic precursor demonstrate high activity in the hydroformylation of styrene along with good selectivity in respect to branched aldehyde. Quantum-chemical calculations proved that both the rate of the formation of branched alkyl complex, as well as its reactivity are influenced by the steric and electronic parameters in the same manner.     

A fluoroaryl substituent with spectator function: Reactivity and structures of cyclic and acyclic HF4C6-substituted phosphanes

The reactivity of a series of phosphanes with a fluoroaryl group (HF₄C₆-) carrying a spectator function in para position has been explored with respect to the formation of low coordinated and phosphorus rich phosphanes. An asymmetric diphosphene has been indentified as an intermediate in the synthesis of a linear 1,3-dihydrophosphane, while the symmetric diphosphene undergoes 2 + 2 cycloaddition under formation of the corresponding cyclotetraphosphetane for which a crystal structure could be obtained. Attempts to synthesize HF₄C₆-substituted iminophosphanes generally failed, which is attributed to the electronic nature of the corresponding precursors as suggested by quantum chemical calculations.     

New synthetic routes to poly(isothianaphthene). II. Mechanistic aspects of the reactions of phthalic anhydride and phthalide with phosphorus pentasulfide

The results of some mechanistic studies on the formation of poly(isothianaphthene) from phthalic anhydride and phthalide by reaction with phosphorus pentasulfide (P₄S₁₀) are described. Based on the observed intermediates during the polymerization and their reactivity, it is proposed that both reactions occur by a sequence of substitution (thionation), isomerization, and polymerization reactions. P₄S₁₀ is the most efficient reagent for the conversion of phthalic anhydride and phthalide, and Lawesson's Reagent (a commonly used thionating reagent) gives less satisfactory results. It is suggested that P₄S₁₀ assists the rate-determining step. Oxygen-containing monomers do not polymerize in the absence of a thionating reagent under the conditions for the synthesis of PITN, thereby keeping the incorporation of oxygen into the polymeric backbone to a minimum. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Photolytic Reductive Elimination of White Phosphorus from a Mononuclear cyclo‐P4 Transition Metal Complex

Elemental white phosphorus (P₄) is well recognized as a critical precursor to organophosphorus compounds. However, regulatory constraints stemming from the toxic and pyrophoric nature of white phosphorus have significantly limited its accessibility. Herein is described a new approach to white phosphorus storage and release based on a unique example of photolytic reductive elimination of the tetrahedral P₄ molecule from a mononuclear cyclo‐P₄ molybdenum complex. The latter functions as an air‐stable, chemically‐deactivated source of white phosphorus. The system features efficient photo‐release of white phosphorus using inexpensive violet LED sources. Additionally, high‐yield recapture of unspent white phosphorus by the molybdenum center can be achieved by post‐photolysis heating at convenient temperatures.     

Triple Frustrated Lewis Pair-Type Reactivity on a Single Rare-Earth Metal Center

Rare-earth metal cations have been used rarely as Lewis-acidic components in the chemistry of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs). Herein, we report the first cerium/phosphorus system ( 2 ) employing a heptadentate N₄P₃ ligand, which exhibits triple FLP-type reactivity towards a series of organic substrates, including isocyanates, isothiocyanates, diazomethane, and azides on a single rare-earth Lewis acidic Ce center. This result shows that the Ce center and three P atoms in 2 could simultaneously activate three equivalents of small molecules under mild conditions. This study broadens the diversity of FLPs and demonstrates that rare earth based FLP exhibit unique properties compared with other FLP systems.     

Produkte von Simultanumsetzungen. Amidoderivate des tetrakoordinierten Phosphors mit P?P-Gerüst

Products of Simultaneous Reactions. Amido Derivatives of Tetracoordinated Phosphorus with P? P Structure P? P compounds, in which phosphorus is present in coordination number four, and contain the amido group bonded to phosphorus, are produced in addition to other oxidation products by reaction of red phosphorus with hydrogen peroxide in aqueous ammonia. Isolation and properties of the compounds [(NH₄)₂(P₂O₄(NH₂)₂] and (NH₄)₃[P₂O₅(NH₂)] are reported.     

The unusual coordination chemistry of phosphorus-rich linear and cyclic oligophosphanide anions

In this review, the synthesis, reactivity and properties of linear and cyclic oligophosphanides are described. Specifically the structures and versatile reactivity of the anionic ligands (P₄R₄)^2? (R = Bu^t, Ph, Mes), (P₄HR₄)^? (R = Ph and Mes) and cyclo-(P₅Bu^t₄)^? towards main group and transition metal complexes is elucidated. In addition, potential application of metal oligophosphanides as precursors for the preparation of metal phosphides is also briefly discussed.     

Organophosphorus Synthesis Without Phosphorus Trichloride: The Case for the Hypophosphorous Pathway

Abstract

The vast majority of organophosphorus compounds is currently synthesized from phosphorus trichloride (PCl₃), even though the final consumer products do not contain reactive phosphorus–chlorine bonds. In order to bypass phosphorus trichloride, significant interest has been devoted to functionalizing elemental phosphorus (P₄, the precursor to PCl₃), red phosphorus (P_red), or phosphine (PH₃). Yet, other industrial-scale precursors are hypophosphorous derivatives (H₃PO₂ and its alkali salts), but their use as phosphorus trichloride replacements has been completely overlooked. Here, the case is made for an alternative approach to the industrial synthesis of organophosphorus compounds based on hypophosphites.     

Electrochemical synthesis of phosphorus esters from white phosphorus in the presence of copper complexes and ethanol

In the presence of white phosphorus the redox potentials of the copper ions change and the potential of the reduction wave of Cu^I/Cu⁰ shifts noticeably toward more positive values. The Cu^I—P₄ complex is characterized by a lower value of the electrochemical gap, that is, higher polarizability and reactivity compared to those of the free Cu^I cation. Phosphorus esters can be synthesized from P₄ and ethanol. The latter is in the composition of the copper(ii) complexes, which act as a catalyst-charge mediator.     

Zum oxydativen Abbau von elementarem Phosphor,P4, mit CCl4 und 1,2-Dinucleophilen

On the Oxidative Degradation of Elemental Phosphorus, P₄, with CCl₄ and 1.2-Dinucleophiles In the presence of tertiary amins the interaction of elemental phosphorus with CCl₄ and bifunctionally protic nucleophiles such as 1.2-dioles, pyrocatechol, and 2-aminoalcohols leads to an oxidative degradation of P₄. Depending on the reaction conditions acyclic as well as cyclic and even spirocyclic phosphorus(III) and phosphorus(V) compounds are obtained in variable proportions. The formation of the phosphorus(V) spiro compounds exclusively occurs by oxidizing spirocyclic phosphorus(III) compounds in the way of the Atherton-Todd reaction. A procedure for preparing triethylammonium tris(o-phenylenedioxo)phosphate, 8 , directly from P₄, CCl₄, and pyrocatechol is given.     

The First Synthesis of the Sterically Encumbered Adamantoid Phosphazane P4(NtBu)6: Enabled by Mechanochemistry

All reported attempts to synthesize the tert‐butyl‐substituted adamantoid phosph(III)azane P₄(N^tBu)₆ have failed, leading to the classification of this molecule as inaccessible and a literature example of steric control in chemistry of phosphorus‐nitrogen compounds. We now demonstrate that this structure is readily accessible by a solvent‐free mechanochemical milling approach, highlighting the importance of mechanochemical reaction environments in evaluating chemical reactivity.     

Die Molekulare Zusammensetzung von erstarrten Phosphor-Schwefel-Schmelzen und die Kristallstruktur von β-P4S6

The Molecular Composition of Solidified Phosphorus-Sulfur Melts and the Crystal Structure of β-P₄S₆ Phosphorus sulfur melts were annealed for one week at 673 K and then quenched in ice water. The solids were dissolved in CS₂ and the concentrations of phosphorus sulfides were determined by ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. Samples containing between 44 and 70 mol% sulfur dissolved completely in CS₂. Between 0 and 42 mol% remains an insoluble residue of red phosphorus. Above 72 mol% it consisted of sulfur chains linked by phosphorus atoms. The solutions contained mainly the congruently melting compounds P₄S₃, P₄S₇, and P₄S₁₀ having maximum concentrations at their stoichiometric compositions. Other compounds P₄S_n (n = 4–9) which decompose on heating, according to the phase diagram, were also found in surprisingly high concentrations. One of these was β-P₄S₆ which crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with the lattice parameters a = 702.4(2), b = 1 205.6(2), c = 1 148.9(6) pm and β = 103.4(2)°. Reaction of white phosphorus with sulfur was also investigated. In contrast to the results of previous authors, who described the system P₄–S₈ below 373 K as eutectic, we found that the elements reacted below this temperature.     

Syntheses of Halogenated Polyhedral Phosphaboranes: Crystal Structure of conjuncto‐3,3′‐(closo‐1,2‐P2B4Br3)2

Co‐pyrolysis of B₂Br₄ with PBr₃ at 480 °C gave, in addition to the main product closo‐1,2‐P₂B₄Br₄, conjuncto‐3,3′‐(1,2‐P₂B₄Br₃)₂ ( 1 ) and the twelve‐vertex closo‐1,7‐P₂B₁₀Br₁₀ ( 2 ), both in low yields. X‐ray structure determination for 1 [triclinic, space‐group P1 with a = 7.220(2) Å, b = 7.232(2) Å, c = 8.5839(15) Å, α = 97.213(15)°, β = 96.81(2)°, γ = 94.07(2)° and Z = 1] confirmed that 1 adopts a structure consisting of two symmetrically boron–boron linked distorted octahedra with the bridging boron atoms in the 3,3′‐positions and the phosphorus atoms in the 1,2‐positions. The intercluster 2e/2c B–B bond length is 1.61(3) Å. The shortest boron–boron bond within the cluster framework is 1.68(2) Å located between the boron atoms antipodal to the phosphorus atoms. The icosahedral phosphaborane 2 was characterized by ¹¹B‐¹¹B COSY NMR spectroscopy showing cross peaks indicative for the isomer with the phosphorus atoms in 1,7‐positions. Both the X‐ray data of 1 and the NMR spectroscopic data of 1 and 2 give further evidence for the influence of an antipodal effect of heteroatoms to cross‐cage boron atoms and, vice versa, of an additional shielding of the phosphorus atoms caused by B‐Hal substitution at the boron positions trans to phosphorus.     

Safer Pyrotechnic Obscurants Based on Phosphorus(V) Nitride

The potential of phosphorus(V) nitride, P₃N₅ , as a replacement for red phosphorus, P_R, in pyrotechnic obscurants has been theoretically and experimentally investigated. P₃N₅ can be safely mixed with KNO₃ and even KClO₃ and KClO₄ . The corresponding formulations are surprisingly insensitive to friction and only mildly impact‐sensitive. P₃N₅ /KNO₃ pyrolants with ξ=20–80 wt % P₃N₅ burn 200 times faster than the corresponding mixtures based on P_R and generate a dense smoke. Hence obscurants based on P₃N₅ /KNO₃ have a figure of merit that by far exceeds that of current state‐of‐the‐art P_R‐based obscurants. Furthermore, unlike P_R, which slowly degrades in moist air to phosphoric acids and phosphine (PH₃), P₃N₅ is stable under these conditions and does not produce any acids or PH₃ . P₃N₅ is hence a safe, stable, and powerful replacement for P_R for use in insensitive munitions.     

Quantum-Chemical Estimation of the Stability and Reactivity of Diphosphonium Salts

For a series of diphosphonium salts containing two positively charged covalently bonded phosphorus atoms, X_{/sub> n} Y_3-n P⁺P⁺X _n Y_3-n (X = alkyl substituent, Y = amino group, n = 0-3), the stability, reactivity, and P-P bond strength were evaluated by various physicochemical methods. The P-P bond energy is appreciably influenced by both steric factors and donor properties of the substituents. The calculations confirmed that transformations of diphosphonium salts can involve cleavage of both P-P and P-N (or P-C) bonds.     

Two‐Dimensional Phosphorus Oxides as Energy and Information Materials

Phosphorene is a rising star in electronics. Recently, 2D phosphorus oxides with higher stability have been synthesized. In this study, we theoretically explored the structures and properties of 2D phosphorus oxides. We found that the structural features of P_xO_y vary with the oxygen content. When the oxygen content is low, the most stable P_xO_y material can be obtained by the adsorption of O atoms on phosphorene. Otherwise, stable structures are no longer based on phosphorene and will contain P–O–P motifs. We found that P₄O₄ has a direct band gap (about 2.24 eV), good optical absorption, and high stability in water, so it may be suitable for photochemical water splitting. P₂O₃ adopts two possible stable ferroelectric structures (P₂O₃‐I and P₂O₃‐II) with electric polarization perpendicular and parallel to the lateral plane, respectively, as the lowest‐energy configurations, depending on the layer thickness. We propose that P₂O₃ could be used in novel nanoscale multiple‐state memory devices.     

Phosphonium Boranes for the Selective Transport of Fluoride Anions across Artificial Phospholipid Membranes

With the view of developing selective transmembrane anion transporters, a series of phosphonium boranes of general formula [p‐RPh₂P(C₆H₄)BMes₂]⁺ have been synthesized and evaluated. The results demonstrate that variation of the R group appended to the phosphorus atom informs the lipophilicity of these compounds, their Lewis acidity, as well as their transport activity. Anion transport experiments in POPC‐based large unilamellar vesicles show that these main‐group cations are highly selective for the fluoride anion, which is transported more than 20 times faster than the chloride anion. Finally, this work shows that the anion transport properties of these compounds are extremely sensitive to the steric crowding about the boron atom, pointing to the crucial involvement of the Group 13 element as the anion binding site.     

Transition-Metal-Mediated Functionalization of White Phosphorus

Recently there has been great interest in the reactivity of transition-metal (TM) centers towards white phosphorus (P₄). This has ultimately been motivated by a desire to find TM-mediated alternatives to the current industrial routes used to transform P₄ into myriad useful P-containing products, which are typically indirect, wasteful, and highly hazardous. Such a TM-mediated process can be divided into two steps: activation of P₄ to generate a polyphosphorus complex TM-P_n, and subsequent functionalization of this complex to release the desired phosphorus-containing product. The former step has by now become well established, allowing the isolation of many different TM-P_n products. In contrast, productive functionalization of these complexes has proven extremely challenging and has been achieved only in a relative handful of cases. In this review we provide a comprehensive summary of successful TM-P_n functionalization reactions, where TM-P_n must be accessible by reaction of a TM precursor with P₄. We hope that this will provide a useful resource for continuing efforts that are working towards this highly challenging goal of modern synthetic chemistry.