Adventures in Tin(II) phosphinidene chemistry; insights into the mechanism of P–P and Sn–Sn bond formation

The reactions of the Sn(II) dimethylamido reagent Sn(NMe2)2 with alkali metal primary phosphides [RPHM] give a range of heterometallic Sn(II) phosphinidene compounds, depending on the organic substituents (R) and the alkali metal (M). For less sterically demanding substituents and/or for the heavier alkali metals, the formation of P–P and Sn–Sn bonded complexes occurs. Structural studies of the reaction products with a range of R-groups and alkali metals cast light on the mechanisms involved in this new type of reaction.

Graphical abstractStructural studies of the products of the reactions of the Sn(II) dimethylamido reagent Sn(NMe2)2 with alkali metal primary phosphides [RPHM], containing a range of R-groups and alkali metals (M), cast light on the mechanisms involved in the formation of P–P and Sn–Sn bonds.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide