Phosphido-borane-supported stannates.

The reactions between SnCl2 and three equivalents of the alkali metal phosphido-borane complexes [R2P(BH3)]M yield the corresponding tris(phosphido-borane)stannate complexes [LnM{R2P(BH3)}3Sn] [R2 = iPr2, LnM = (THF)3Li (2Li), (Et2O)Na (2Na), (Et2O)K (2K); R2 = Ph2, LnM = (THF)Li (3Li), (THF)(Et2O)Na (3Na), (THF)(Et2O)K (3K); R2 = iPrPh, LnM = (THF)4Li (4Li)]. In each case X-ray crystallography reveals an anion consisting of a trigonal pyramidal tin centre coordinated by the P atoms of the phosphido-borane ligands. These tris(phosphido-borane)stannate anions coordinate to the alkali metal cations via their BH3 hydrogen atoms in a variety of modes to give monomers, dimers, and polymers, depending on the alkali metal and the substituents at the phosphorus centres. In contrast, reactions between SnCl2 and three equivalents of [tBu2P(BH3)]M (M = Li, Na) gave the known hydride [M{tBu2P(BH3)}2SnH], according to multinuclear NMR spectroscopy.

Spontaneous Decomposition of an Extraordinarily Twisted and Trans-Bent Fully-Phosphanyl-Substituted Digermene to an Unusual GeI Cluster.

Ditetrelenes R2 E=ER2 (E=Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) substituted by multiple N/P/O/S-donor groups are extremely rare due to their propensity to disaggregate into their tetrylene monomers R2 E. We report the synthesis of the first fully phosphanyl-substituted digermene {(Mes)2 P}2 Ge=Ge{P(Mes)2 }2 (3, Mes=2,4,6-Me3 C6 H2 ), which adopts a highly unusual structure in the solid state, that is both strongly trans-bent and highly twisted. Variable-temperature 31 P{1 H} NMR spectroscopy suggests that 3 persists in solution, but is subject to a dynamic equilibrium between two conformations, which have different geometries about the Ge=Ge bond (twisted/non-twisted) due to a difference in the nature of their π-stacking interactions. Compound 3 undergoes unprecedented, spontaneous decomposition in solution to give a unique GeI cluster {(Mes)2 P}4 Ge4 ⋅5 CyMe (7).

Phosphido-bis(borane) complexes of the alkaline earth metals.

The reaction between two equivalents of {(Me3Si)2CH}(Ph)PH(BH3) (1) and Bu2Mg, followed by two equivalents of BH3·SMe2, gives the corresponding phosphido-bis(borane) complex, which may be crystallised as two distinct chemical species: the complex [{(Me3Si)2CH}(Ph)P(BH3)2]2Mg(THF)4·THF (2a), and two different THF solvates (1 : 1 and 1 : 2) of the solvent-separated ion triples [{(Me3Si)2CH}(Ph)P(BH3)2]2[Mg(THF)6]·THF (2b) and [{(Me3Si)2CH}(Ph)P(BH3)2]2[Mg(THF)6]·2THF (2c). Similar reactions between two equivalents of 1 and either (4-tBuC6H4CH2)2Ca(THF)4 or [(Me3Si)2CH]2Sr(THF)2, followed by two equivalents of BH3·SMe2, give the heavier alkali metal complexes [{(Me3Si)2CH}(Ph)P(BH3)2]2M(THF)4 [M = Ca (3), Sr (4)]. Surprisingly, compounds 2a, 3 and 4 adopt almost identical structures in the solid state, which differ only in the geometrical arrangement of the phosphido-bis(borane) ligands and the hapticity of the borane groups.

P-Ge/Sn π Interactions Versus Arene···Ge/Sn Contacts for the Stabilization of Diphosphatetrylenes, (R2P)2E (E = Ge, Sn).

The diphosphatetrylenes {(Dipp)(R')P}2E [R' = Mes, E = Ge (1Ge), Sn (1Sn); R' = CH(SiMe3)2, E = Sn (2Sn)] have been isolated and characterized by multinuclear and variable temperature NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography [Dipp = 2,6-iPr2C6H3, Mes = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2]. All three compounds crystallize as discrete monomers with two pyramidal phosphorus centers. However, variable-temperature 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy indicates that both 1Ge and 2Sn are subject to dynamic exchange between this form and a form containing one planar and one pyramidal phosphorus center in solution. In contrast, 1Sn retains two pyramidal phosphorus centers in solution and exhibits no evidence for exchange with a form containing a planar phosphorus center. The related compound [{(Me3Si)2CH}2P]2Sn (3Sn) was isolated in very low yield and was shown by X-ray crystallography to possess one planar and one pyramidal phosphorus center in the solid state. DFT calculations reveal that the conformations of 1Ge, 1Sn, and 2Sn observed in the solid state are significantly stabilized by the delocalization of electron density from the aromatic rings into the vacant p-orbital at the tetrel center. Thus, for diphosphatetrylenes possessing aromatic substituents at phosphorus, stabilization may be achieved by two competing mechanisms: (i) planarization of one phosphorus center and consequent delocalization of the phosphorus lone pair into the vacant tetrel p-orbital or (ii) pyramidalization of both phosphorus centers and delocalization of aromatic π-electron density into the tetrel p-orbital. For 3Sn, which lacks aromatic groups, only the former stabilization mechanism is possible.

An Acyclic Arsenium Cation Stabilised by a Single P-As π-Interaction and a Cyclic Diphosphinophosphonium Salt.

Stable acyclic arsenium cations R2 As+ , isoelectronic analogues of germylenes, are rare in comparison to the corresponding phosphenium cations. The first example of a diphosphaarsenium salt, [{(Dipp)2 P}2 As][Al{OC(CF3 )3 }4 ]⋅1 1 / 2 PhMe, is described. This salt exhibits remarkable stability due to the delocalisation of a lone pair from a planar phosphorus centre into the vacant p-orbital at arsenic; the bonding in 2 has been probed by DFT calculations. An attempt to synthesise an analogous diphosphaphosphenium salt unexpectedly generated the cyclic phosphonium salt [cyclo-{(Mes)P}2 P(Mes)2 ][BArF 4 ]⋅CyMe through the cyclisation of a putative phosphine-substituted diphosphene cation intermediate.

Influence of Chain Length on the Structures and Dynamic Behavior of Alkyl-Tethered α,ω-Diphosphide Complexes of Lithium and Their Use in the Synthesis of P-Heterocyclic Stannylenes.

The alkyl-tethered α,ω-diphosphines (Dipp)PH(CH2) nPH(Dipp) ( n = 1 (3H), 2 (4H), 3 (5H), 4 (6H), and 5 (7H)) were prepared in good yield and characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy [Dipp = 2,6- iPr2C6H3]. Treatment of 3H with 2 equiv of nBuLi and 2 equiv of TMEDA gives the diphosphide complex [CH2{P(Dipp)}2]Li2(TMEDA)2 (3Lia), which crystallizes as discrete monomers which do not exhibit temperature-dependent NMR behavior. Treatment of 4H-7H with 2 equiv of nBuLi in THF gives the diphosphides [[CH2{P(Dipp)}]2]2Li4(THF)2(OEt2)2 (4Li), [CH2{CH2P(Dipp)}2]Li2(THF)4 (5Li), [{CH2CH2P(Dipp)}2]Li2(THF)6 (6Li), and [CH2{CH2CH2P(Dipp)}2]2Li4(THF)6·PhMe (7Li) after crystallization. Compounds 4Li-7Li adopt either monomeric or dimeric structures in the solid state, depending on the length of the alkyl tether of the diphosphide ligand. In solution, compounds 4Li-7Li exhibit dynamic behavior: variable-temperature 31P{1H} and 7Li NMR spectroscopic studies indicate that this involves equilibria between monomeric and dimeric or higher oligomeric species with the nature of the equilibrium again depending on the length of the alkyl tether of the diphosphide ligand. The reactions between 3Li, 6Li, or 7Li and SnCl2 in THF give mixtures of products which could not be separated. In contrast, the reactions between 4Li or 5Li and 1 equiv of SnCl2 give the dimeric P-heterocyclic stannylenes [{CH2P(Dipp)}2Sn]2 (4Sn) and [CH2{CH2P(Dipp)}2Sn]2.1/2THF (5Sn), respectively. While compound 5Sn is isolated exclusively as the cis isomer, 4Sn is isolated as a mixture of cis and trans isomers in an approximate 5:1 ratio. The solid-state structures of trans-4Sn and cis-5Sn were obtained, and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy indicates that the dimeric structures of these compounds are maintained in solution. Compounds 4Sn and 5Sn represent the first P-heterocyclic stannylene dimers to be structurally characterized.

A diarsagermylene and a diarsastannylene stabilised by areneGe/Sn interactions.

The synthesis and structures of two new diarsatetrylenes {(Dipp)2As}2E are presented [E = Ge, Sn; Dipp = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl]. The high barrier to planarisation of As prevents stabilisation by As-E π-interactions; however, areneGe/Sn interactions stabilise these compounds by up to 181.4 kJ mol-1. This represents a new stabilisation mode for this class of compounds.

Desolvation and aggregation of sterically demanding alkali metal diarylphosphides.

The reaction between (Dipp)2PH and one equivalent of n-BuLi, PhCH2Na or PhCH2K in THF gives the complexes [(Dipp)2P]Li(THF)3 (2a), {[(Dipp)2P]Na(THF)2}2 (3a) and [(Dipp)2P]K(THF)4 (4a), respectively [Dipp = 2,6-iPr2C6H3]. Exposure of these compounds to vacuum yields the alternative solvates [(Dipp)2P]Li(THF)2 (2b), [(Dipp)2P]Na(THF)1.5 (3b), and [(Dipp)2P]K (4b), respectively; the alternative adduct [(Dipp)2P]Na(PMDETA) (3c) was prepared by treatment of 3a with PMDETA. Treatment of (Dipp)(Mes)PH or (Mes)2PH with one equivalent of n-BuLi in THF gives the complexes [(Dipp)(Mes)P]Li(THF)3 (7a) and [(Mes)2P]2Li2(THF)2(OEt2) (8a) after crystallisation from diethyl ether [Mes = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2]; crystallisation of 8a from hexane gives the alternative adduct [(Mes)2P]Li(THF)3 (8b). Exposure of 7a, 8a and 8b to vacuum leads to loss of coordinated solvent, yielding the solvates [(Dipp)(Mes)P]Li(THF)2 (7b) and [(Mes)2P]Li(THF) (8c). The solid-state structures of complexes 2a, 3a, 3c, 4a, 7a, 8a, and 8b have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Variable-temperature 31P{1H} and 7Li NMR spectroscopy indicates that 2b, 3b and 7b are subject to a monomer-dimer equilibrium in solution, where the monomeric forms are favoured at low temperature. In contrast, variable-temperature 31P{1H} and 7Li NMR spectroscopy suggests that 8c is subject to a dynamic equilibrium between a dimer and a cyclic trimer in solution, where the trimer is favoured at low temperatures.

A Fully Phosphane-Substituted Disilene.

There is growing interest in compounds containing functionalized E=E multiple bonds (E=Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) because of their potential to exhibit novel physical and chemical properties. However, compounds containing multiple functionalizations are rare, with scarcity increasing with increasing degree of substitution. The first ditetrelene R2 E=ER2 in which the E=E bond is substituted by four heteroatoms (other than Si) is described. The tetraphosphadisilene {(Mes)2 P}2 Si=Si{P(Mes)2 }2 (7) is readily isolated from the reaction between SiBr4 and [(Mes)2 P]Li, the latter of which acts as a sacrificial reducing agent. The structure of 7 is presented, while the bonding in, and stability of 7 were probed using DFT calculations.

Remote Substituent Effects on the Structures and Stabilities of P═E π-Stabilized Diphosphatetrylenes (R2P)2E (E = Ge, Sn).

A rare P-E π interaction between the lone pair of a planar P center and the vacant p orbital at the Ge or Sn center provides efficient stabilization for P-substituted tetrylenes (R2P)2E (E = Ge, Sn) and enables isolation of the first example of a compound with a crystallographically authenticated P═Sn bond. Subtle changes in the electronic properties of the bulky aryl substituents in these compounds change the preference for planar versus pyramidal P centers in the solid state; however, variable-temperature NMR spectroscopy indicates that in solution these species are subject to a dynamic equilibrium, which interconverts the planar and pyramidal P centers. Consistent with this, density functional theory studies suggest that there is only a small energy difference between the planar and pyramidal forms of these compounds and reveal a small singlet-triplet energy separation, suggesting potentially interesting reactivities.

Impact of a rigid backbone on the structure of an agostically-stabilised dialkylstannylene: isolation of an unusual bridged stannyl-stannylene.

The reaction between the phosphine-borane-stabilised dicarbanion complex [1,2-C6H4{CHP(BH3)Cy2}2][Li(THF)n]2 and Cp2Sn gives the unusual stannyl-stannylene [[1,2-C6H4{CHP(BH3)Cy2}2]Sn]2·1½PhMe, in which one dicarbanion ligand chelates a tin centre, while the other bridges a tin-tin bond. The stannylene centre is stabilised by an agostic-type B-H···Sn interaction.

Stabilization of a diphosphagermylene through pπ-pπ interactions with a trigonal-planar phosphorus center.

N-Heterocyclic carbenes and their heavier homologues are, in part, stabilized by delocalization of the N lone pairs into the vacant p-orbital at carbon (or a heavier Group 14 element center). These interactions are usually absent in the corresponding P-substituted species, owing to the large barrier to planarization of phosphorus. However, judicious selection of the substituents at phosphorus has enabled the synthesis of a diphosphagermylene, [(Dipp)2P]2 Ge, in which one of the P centers is planar (Dipp=2,6-diisopropylphenyl). The planar nature of this P center and the correspondingly short P-Ge distance suggest a significant degree of P-Ge multiple bond character that is due to delocalization of the phosphorus lone pair into the vacant p-orbital at germanium. DFT calculations support this proposition and NBO and AIM analyses are consistent with a Ge-P bond order greater than unity.

Light-induced rearrangement of thioether-substituted phosphanide ligands: scope and limitations of a remarkable isomerization.

Treatment of the thioether-substituted secondary phosphanes R(2)PH(C6H4-2-SR(1)) [R(2) = (Me3Si)2CH, R(1) = Me (1PH), iPr (2PH), Ph (3PH); R(2) = tBu, R(1) = Me (4PH); R(2) = Ph, R(1) = Me (5PH)] with nBuLi yields the corresponding lithium phosphanides, which were isolated as their THF (1-5Pa) and tmeda (1-5Pb) adducts. Solid-state structures were obtained for the adducts [R(2)P(C6H4-2-SR(1))]Li(L)n [R(2) = (Me3Si)2CH, R(1) = nPr, (L)n = tmeda (2Pb); R(2) = (Me3Si)2CH, R(1) = Ph, (L)n = tmeda (3Pb); R(2) = Ph, R(1) = Me, (L)n = (THF)1.33 (5Pa); R(2) = Ph, R(1) = Me, (L)n = ([12]crown-4)2 (5Pc)]. Treatment of 1PH with either PhCH2Na or PhCH2K yields the heavier alkali metal complexes [{(Me3Si)2CH}P(C6H4-2-SMe)]M(THF)n [M = Na (1Pd), K (1Pe)]. With the exception of 2Pa and 2Pb, photolysis of these complexes with white light proceeds rapidly to give the thiolate species [R(2)P(R(1))(C6H4-2-S)]M(L)n [M = Li, L = THF (1Sa, 3Sa-5Sa); M = Li, L = tmeda (1Sb, 3Sb-5Sb); M = Na, L = THF (1Sd); M = K, L = THF (1Se)] as the sole products. The compounds 3Sa and 4Sa may be desolvated to give the cyclic oligomers [[{(Me3Si)2CH}P(Ph)(C6H4-2-S)]Li]6 ((3S)6) and [[tBuP(Me)(C6H4-2-S)]Li]8 ((4S)8), respectively. A mechanistic study reveals that the phosphanide-thiolate rearrangement proceeds by intramolecular nucleophilic attack of the phosphanide center at the carbon atom of the substituent at sulfur. For 2Pa/2Pb, competing intramolecular ß-deprotonation of the n-propyl substituent results in the elimination of propene and the formation of the phosphanide-thiolate dianion [{(Me3Si)2CH}P(C6H4-2-S)](2-).

Phosphido-borane and phosphido-bis(borane) complexes of the alkali metals, a comparative study.

Treatment of the secondary phosphine {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(Ph)PH with BH(3)·SMe(2) yields the phosphine-borane {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(Ph)PH(BH(3)) (12) as colorless crystals. The reactions between 12 and n-BuLi, PhCH(2)Na or PhCH(2)K yield the corresponding phosphido-borane complexes [[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(Ph)P(BH(3))]Li(THF)(2)](∞) (13), [{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(Ph)P(BH(3))][Na(12-crown-4)(2)] (14), or [[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(Ph)P(BH(3))]K(pmdeta)](2) (15), respectively, after crystallization in the presence of the appropriate co-ligand. While 13 crystallizes as a chain polymer, 14 crystallizes as a separated ion pair and 15 as a dimer. In both 13 and 15 the phosphido-borane ligands bind the alkali metal cations via both P-M and B-H···M contacts. Unexpectedly, NMR spectroscopy suggests that the separated ion pair 14 undergoes rapid inversion at phosphorus, while 13 and 15 do not. The phosphido-bis(borane) complexes [{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(Ph)P(BH(3))(2)]Li(12-crown-4) (16b), [[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(Ph)P(BH(3))(2)]Na(THF)(2)](2) (17), and [[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}(Ph)P(BH(3))(2)]K(THF)(0.5)](∞) (18a) were prepared by treatment of the corresponding in situ-generated phosphido-borane complexes with BH(3)·SMe(2) and crystallization in the presence of the appropriate co-ligand. Compound 16b crystallizes as a monomer, while 17 crystallizes as a dimer and 18a crystallizes as a ribbon polymer. These crystallographic studies reveal entirely new binding modes for both phosphido-borane and phosphido-bis(borane) ligands and allow a direct comparison between these two ligand types.

Synthesis, structures and stabilities of thioanisole-functionalised phosphido-borane complexes of the alkali metals.

Treatment of the secondary phosphine {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}PH(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe) with BH(3)·SMe(2) gives the corresponding phosphine-borane {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}PH(BH(3))(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe) (9) as a colourless solid. Deprotonation of 9 with n-BuLi, PhCH(2)Na or PhCH(2)K proceeds cleanly to give the corresponding alkali metal complexes [[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}P(BH(3))(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe)]ML](n) [ML = Li(THF), n = 2 (10); ML = Na(tmeda), n = ∞ (11); ML = K(pmdeta), n = 2 (12)] as yellow/orange crystalline solids. X-ray crystallography reveals that the phosphido-borane ligands bind the metal centres through their sulfur and phosphorus atoms and through the hydrogen atoms of the BH(3) group in each case, leading to dimeric or polymeric structures. Compounds 10-12 are stable towards both heat and ambient light; however, on heating in toluene solution in the presence of 10, traces of free phosphine-borane 9 are slowly converted to the free phosphine {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}PH(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe) (5) with concomitant formation of the corresponding phosphido-bis(borane) complex [{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}P(BH(3))(2)(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe)]Li (14).

Edge- versus vertex-inversion at trigonal pyramidal Ge(II) centers--a new aromatic anchimerically assisted edge-inversion mechanism.

Theoretical calculations reveal that the model phosphagermylenes {(Me)P(C6H4-2-CH2NMe2)}GeX [X = F (1F), Cl (1Cl), Br (1Br), H (1H), Me (1Me)], which are chiral at both the phosphorus and pyramidal germanium(II) centers, may be subject to multiple inversion pathways which result in interconversion between enantiomers/diastereomers. Inversion via a classical vertex-inversion process (through a trigonal planar transition state) is observed for the phosphorus center in all compounds and for the germanium center in 1H, although this latter process has a very high barrier to inversion (221.6 kJ mol⁻¹); the barriers to vertex-inversion at phosphorus increase with decreasing electronegativity of the substituent X. Transition states corresponding to edge-inversion at germanium (via a T-shaped transition state) were located for all five compounds; for each compound two different arrangements of the substituent atoms [N and X axial (1X(N-X)) or P and X axial (1X(P-X))] are possible, and two distinct transition states were located for each of these arrangements. In the first of these (1X(N-X)(Planar) and 1X(P-X)(Planar)), inversion at germanium is accompanied by simultaneous planarization at phosphorus; these transition states are stabilized by pπ-pπ interactions between the phosphorus lone pair and the vacant p(z)-orbital at germanium. In the alternative transition states (1X(N-X)(Folded) and 1X(P-X)(Folded)), the phosphorus atoms remain pyramidal and inversion at germanium is accompanied by folding of the phosphide ligand such that there are short contacts between germanium and one of the ipso-carbon atoms of the aromatic ring. These transition states appear to be stabilized by donation of electron density from the π-system of the aromatic rings into the vacant p(z)-orbital at germanium. The barriers to inversion via 1X(P-X)(Planar) and 1X(P-X)(Folded) are rather high, whereas the barriers to inversion via 1X(N-X)(Planar) and 1X(N-X)(Folded) are similar to those for inversion at phosphorus, clearly suggesting that the most important factor in stabilizing these transition states is the σ-withdrawing ability of the substituents, rather than π-donation of lone pairs or donation of π-electron density from the aromatic rings into the vacant p(z)-orbital at germanium.

Lanthanide(II) complexes of a phosphine-borane-stabilised carbanion.

The reaction between two equivalents of the potassium salt [(Me(3)Si)(2){Me(2)P(BH(3))}C]K (4) and SmI(2)(THF)(2) in refluxing THF yields the dialkylsamarium(II) compounds [(Me(3)Si)(2){Me(2)P(BH(3))}C](2)Sm(THF) (5a) or [(Me(3)Si)(2){Me(2)P(BH(3))}C](2)Sm(THF)(3) (5b), depending on the crystallisation conditions, in good yield as air- and moisture-sensitive crystalline solids. X-ray crystallography shows that, whereas both alkyl ligands chelate the samarium(II) ion in 5a, in 5b one alkyl ligand chelates the metal centre and one binds the metal only through its borane hydrogen atoms. The reaction between YbI(2) and two equivalents of 4 in refluxing benzene yields the solvent-free dialkylytterbium(II) compound [(Me(3)Si)(2){Me(2)P(BH(3))}C](2)Yb (8). In contrast to 5a and 5b, compound 8 reacts rapidly with THF to give the free phosphine-borane (Me(3)Si)(2){Me(2)P(BH(3))}CH as the only identifiable product.

Germanium(II) and tin(II) complexes of a sterically demanding phosphanide ligand.

The reaction between PhPCl(2) and 1 equiv of RLi, followed by in situ reduction with LiAlH(4) and an aqueous workup yields the secondary phosphane PhRPH [R = (Me(3)Si)(2)CH]. Treatment of PhRPH with n-BuLi in diethyl ether generates the lithium phosphanide (RPhP)Li(Et(2)O)(n) [15(Et(2)O)], which may be crystallized as the tetrahydrofuran (THF) adduct (RPhP)Li(THF)(3) [15(THF)]. Compound 15(Et(2)O) reacts with 1 equiv of either NaO-tBu or KO-tBu to give the corresponding sodium and potassium phosphanides (RPhP)Na(Et(2)O)(n) (16) and (RPhP)K(Et(2)O)(n) (17), which may be crystallized as the amine adducts [(RPhP)Na(tmeda)](2) [16(tmeda)] and [(RPhP)K(pmdeta)](2) [17(pmdeta)], respectively. The reaction between 2 equiv of 17 and GeCl(2)(1,4-dioxane) gives the dimeric compound [(RPhP)(2)Ge](2).Et(2)O (18.Et(2)O). In contrast, the reaction between 2 equiv of 15 and SnCl(2) preferentially gives the ate complex (RPhP)(3)SnLi(THF) (19) in low yield; 19 is obtained in quantitative yield from the reaction between SnCl(2) and 3 equiv of 15. Crystallization of 19 from n-hexane/THF yields the separated ion pair complex [(RPhP)(3)Sn][Li(THF)(4)] (19a); exposure of 19a to vacuum for short periods leads to complete conversion to 19. Treatment of GeCl(2)(1,4-dioxane) with 3 equiv of 15 yields the contact ion pair (RPhP)(3)GeLi(THF) (20), after crystallization from n-hexane/THF. Compounds 15(THF), 16(tmeda), 17(pmdeta), 18.Et(2)O, 19a, and 20 have been characterized by elemental analyses, multielement NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. While 15(THF) is monomeric, both 16(tmeda) and 17(pmdeta) are dimeric in the solid state. The diphosphagermylene 18.Et(2)O adopts a dimeric structure in the solid state with a syn,syn-arrangement of the phosphanide ligands, and this structure appears to be preserved in solution. The ate complex 19a crystallizes as a separated ion pair, whereas the analogous ate complex 20 crystallizes as a discrete molecular species. The structures of 19 and 20 are retained in non-donor solvents, while dissolution in THF yields the separated ion pairs 19a and [(RPhP)(3)Ge][Li(THF)(4)] (20a).

Oxidation reactions of a phosphine-borane-stabilised dialkylstannylene.

The acyclic dialkylstannylene [(Me(3)Si){Me(2)P(BH(3))}CH](2)Sn (7) reacts with any of methyl iodide, neopentyl iodide or benzyl bromide to yield the corresponding oxidative addition products [(Me(3)Si){Me(2)P(BH(3))}CH](2)Sn(Me)(I) (8), [(Me(3)Si){Me(2)P(BH(3))}CH](2)Sn(CH(2)CMe(3))(I) (9), and [(Me(3)Si){Me(2)P(BH(3))}CH](2)Sn(CH(2)Ph)(Br) (10), respectively. The crystal structures of 8, 9, and 10 reveal that there are no close B-H...Sn contacts. In addition, 7 reacts with benzil or elemental sulfur to yield [{Me(2)P(BH(3))}(Me(3)Si)CH](2)Sn(OCPh=CPhO) (11) and [{Me(2)P(BH(3))}(Me(3)Si)CH](2)Sn(S) (12), respectively, as confirmed by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis.

Synthesis and structural characterisation of alkali metal complexes of heteroatom-stabilised 1,4- and 1,6-dicarbanions.

A straightforward Peterson olefination reaction between either [{(Me(2)PhSi)(3)C}Li(THF)] or in situ-generated [(Me(3)Si)(2){Ph(2)P(BH(3))}CLi(THF)(n)] and paraformaldehyde gives the alkenes (Me(2)PhSi)(2)C[double bond, length as m-dash]CH(2) () and (Me(3)Si){Ph(2)P(BH(3))}C[double bond, length as m-dash]CH(2) (), respectively, in good yield. Ultrasonic treatment of with lithium in THF yields the lithium complex [{(Me(2)PhSi)(2)C(CH(2))}Li(THF)(n)](2) (), which reacts in situ with one equivalent of KOBu(t) in diethyl ether to give the potassium salt [{(Me(2)PhSi)(2)C(CH(2))}K(THF)](2) (). Similarly, ultrasonic treatment of with lithium in THF yields the lithium complex [[{Ph(2)P(BH(3))}(Me(3)Si)C(CH(2))]Li(THF)(3)](2).2THF (). The bis(phosphine-borane) [(Me(3)Si){Me(2)(H(3)B)P}CH(Me(2)Si)(CH(2))](2) () may be prepared by the reaction of [Me(2)P(BH(3))CH(SiMe(3))]Li with half an equivalent of ClSiMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)SiMe(2)Cl in refluxing THF. Metalation of with two equivalents of MeLi in refluxing THF yields the lithium complex [[{Me(2)P(BH(3))}(Me(3)Si)C{(SiMe(2))(CH(2))}]Li(THF)(3)](2) (), whereas metalation with two equivalents of MeK in cold diethyl ether yields the potassium complex [[{Me(2)P(BH(3))}(Me(3)Si)C{(SiMe(2))(CH(2))}](2)K(2)(THF)(4)](infinity) () after recrystallisation. X-Ray crystallography shows that, whereas the lithium complex crystallises as a discrete molecular species, the potassium complexes and crystallise as sheet and chain polymers, respectively.