Reactions of group IV organometallic compounds : XXVII. Some reactions of [(trimethylsilyl)imino]phosphorane

The reaction of [(trimethylsilyl)imino]methyldiphenylphosphorane: Ph₂MePNSiMe₃ (I) with several acid anhydrides or alkyl isocyanates took place by the simple cleavage of silicon-nitrogen bond. In contrast the interaction of (I) with phenyl isocyanate, isothiocyanate or carbon disulphide led to addition-elimination reactions of the Wittig type. Detailed investigation in the case of phenyl isocyanate indicated the usual elimination of Ph₂MePO is suppressed by the strong affinity of the trimethylsilyl group for anionic oxygen atom.