Formation of polyphosphorus ligands mediated by zirconium and hafnium complexes

The reactions of R2P–P(SiMe3)Li (R = tBu, iPr, iPr2N) with [Cp2MCl2] (M = Zr, Hf), [Cp∗CpZrCl2] and [CpZrCl3] yielded polyphosphorus (mainly hexaphosphorus) compounds which can be viewed as intermediates between R2P–P(SiMe3)Li and derivatives of 1,2,3,4-tetraphosphabicyclo[1.1.0] butane. Thus R2P–P(SiMe3)Li can act as a building block for the formation of the P2 ligand and the R2P–P(P2) and R2P–P(P2)P–PR2 moieties. Solid state structures of zirconium(IV) and hafnium(IV) complexes with R2P–P(P2) and R2P–P(P2)P–PR2 ligands were established by X-ray studies.

Graphical abstractThe reactions of R2P–P(SiMe3)Li (R = tBu, iPr, iPr2N) with [Cp2MCl2] (M = Zr, Hf), [Cp∗CpZrCl2] and [CpZrCl3] yielded polyphosphorus (mainly hexaphosphorus) compounds which can be viewed as intermediates between R2P–P(SiMe3)Li and derivatives of 1,2,3,4-tetraphosphabicyclo[1.1.0] butane and subsequent degradation products. Thus R2P–P(SiMe3)Li can act as a building block for the formation of the P2 ligand and the R2P–P(P2) and R2P–P(P2)P–PR2 moieties. Solid state structures of zirconium(IV) and hafnium(IV) complexes with R2P–P(P2) and R2P–P(P2)P–PR2 ligands were established by X-ray studies.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide