Isolation of a Neutral P sub(8) Cluster by [2+2] Cycloaddition of a Diphosphene Facilitated by Carbene Activation of White Phosphorus

• Published in: Angewandte Chemie International Edition Vol. 52; no. 16; pp. 4462 - 4465
• Main Authors: Dorsey, Christopher L, Squires, Brian M, Hudnall, Todd W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.04.2013
• Subjects: Activation; Carbenes; Carbonyls; Clusters; Cycloaddition; Diffraction; Phosphorus; X-rays

P-cing it together: Carbonyl-decorated carbenes readily activate white phosphorus to afford carbene-stabilized P sub(4) and P sub(8) clusters. Mechanistic evidence suggests the P sub(8) cluster (see structure from X-ray diffraction: Cgray, Porange, Nblue, Ored) forms by a [2+2] cycloaddition of a tr...