Shuttling P(3) [P subscript 3] from Niobium to Rhodium: The Synthesis and Use of Ph(3)SnP(3)(C(6)H(8)) [Ph subscript 3 Sn P subscript 3 (C subscript 6 H subscript 8)] as a P(3) (-) [P subscript 3 superscript 1-] Synthon

Abstract

Anatomy of a P3− [P subscript 3 superscript -] synthon: The Ph3SnP3(C6H8) [Ph subscript 3 Sn P subscript 3 (C subscript 6 H subscript 8)] molecule (see picture; Sn red, P orange) has been synthesized by triphosphorus transfer from a niobium complex. This molecule was shown to be a viable source of P3− [P subscript 3 superscript -] in a proof-of-principle reaction: loss of Ph3SnCl [Ph subscript 3 SnCl] and 1,3-cyclohexadiene from Ph3SnP3(C6H8) [Ph subscript 3 Sn P subscript 3 (C subscript 6 H subscript 8)] upon treatment with Wilkinson's catalyst, [ClRh(PPh3)3] [[ClRh(PPh subscript 3) subscript 3]], gives rise to the new cyclo-P3 [cyclo-P subscript 3] complex [(η3-P3)Rh(PPh3)3] [[(eta superscript 3 - P subscript 3) Rh (PPh subscript 3) subscript 3]].