Design and synthesis of tris[bis(benzylammonium)aryl]phosphines with bulky meta-substituents

A novel 3,5,3′,5′,3″,5″-hexakis(dimethylamino)methyl substituted triphenylphosphine analogue has been prepared. The six amine functionalities of the corresponding phosphine oxide and sulfide were alkylated quantitatively with methyl iodide and benzyl bromide, as well as with G1 and G2 Fréchet dendrons to afford the respective hexa-ammonium triarylphosphine oxides and sulfides. The phosphine sulfide derivatives were deprotected with P(n-Bu)₃ to afford a series of hexa-ammonium triarylphosphines that range from small molecules to first and second generation dendrimers (MW up to 5451.44). Upon formation of the hexa-ammonium salt a clear shift in ³¹P NMR is observed, indicative for opening of the C-P-C angle of the triaryl phosphine. Calculations on the hexacationic phosphines show an increased barrier of rotation around the P-C(aryl) bond with increasing size of the N-substituents. The calculated structure of the G2-dendron alkylated hexa-ammonium triarylphosphine shows that this dendritic phosphine has a disc-like rather than a cone-like structure, with an estimated cone angle of approximately 180°