The synthesis, structure and reactivity of an imine-stabilized carboranylphosphorus(i) compound

Abstract

A new imine-stabilized carboranyl-phosphinidene has been synthesized and structurally characterized. DFT studies suggest that the imine moiety provides an electron pair to stabilize carboranyl-phosphinidene. On the other hand, the sterically demanding carboranyl ligand can prevent the dimerization, facilitating the formation of monomeric phosphinidene. These observations are supported by the reactivity studies. Such a monovalent phosphorous(I) compound can undergo reactions with Cu(OAc)₂, S, Se, (TMS)CHN₂ and HCl to give various phosphorus(III) species. All compounds are fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy, elemental analyses as well as single-crystal X-ray analyses.