Formation of the monoanion [Ar*P(BH3)(μ-BH2)2H]− with a symmetrically bridging hydride from the attempted synthesis of the dianion [Ar*P(BH3)3]2−Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: crystallographic details and colour ORTEP views of 1 and 2. See http://www.rsc.org/suppdata/cc/b1/b105030n/

Abstract

Addition of an excess of BuⁿLi to the bis(borano)phosphide complex [Ar*PH(BH₃)₂]⁻Li⁺ 1 (Ar* = 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl) and subsequent treatment with BH₃, gives the anionic complex [Ar*P(BH₃)(μ-BH₂)₂H]⁻ Li⁺ 2 instead of the expected tris(borano)phosphide dilithium, [Ar*P(BH₃)₃]²⁻2Li⁺ 3.