The beta-thiophosphinoyl carbene PhCCH2P(S)Ph-2 (5) has been prepared by irradiation of the corresponding diazo compound. The relative rates for insertion into the OH bond of methanol and for addition to the double bond of 2-methyl-2-butene indicate enhanced nucleophilic properties of the carbene, comparable to those of PhCCH2CH3 The unusual effect of increased nucleophilicity by an electron-withdrawing substituent probably results from hyperconjugative electron donation by the C-P bond, as recently documented for the same group in a carbocation. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.
The beta-thiophosphinoyl carbene PhCCH2P(S)Ph-2 (5) has been prepared by irradiation of the corresponding diazo compound. The relative rates for insertion into the OH bond of methanol and for addition to the double bond of 2-methyl-2-butene indicate enhanced nucleophilic properties of the carbene, comparable to those of PhCCH2CH3 The unusual effect of increased nucleophilicity by an electron-withdrawing substituent probably results from hyperconjugative electron donation by the C-P bond, as recently documented for the same group in a carbocation. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.