Bis(imino)phosphanes can be synthesized efficiently from iminophosphanes and nitrilium triflates, allowing for nonsymmetric substitution at the imine groups. Symmetrically substituted derivatives can even be obtained in a One-pot procedure from primary phosphanes. These potential N,N-bidentate ligands are sensitive toward Cu(II), Zn(II), and rhodium(I) sources, resulting in loss of an imine group. For [RhCl(COD)](2) this led to an N,P- and P-Ohelating bimetallic complex. Bis(imino)phosphanes with C -Me substituents rearrange in situ to unique 1,3,5-phosphadiazapentadienes for which a P-coordinated gold(I) complex is repotted. The bis(imino)phosphanes ate readily oxidized to stable bis(imino)phosphane oxides with aqueous H2O2.
Bis(imino)phosphanes can be synthesized efficiently from iminophosphanes and nitrilium triflates, allowing for nonsymmetric substitution at the imine groups. Symmetrically substituted derivatives can even be obtained in a One-pot procedure from primary phosphanes. These potential N,N-bidentate ligands are sensitive toward Cu(II), Zn(II), and rhodium(I) sources, resulting in loss of an imine group. For [RhCl(COD)](2) this led to an N,P- and P-Ohelating bimetallic complex. Bis(imino)phosphanes with C -Me substituents rearrange in situ to unique 1,3,5-phosphadiazapentadienes for which a P-coordinated gold(I) complex is repotted. The bis(imino)phosphanes ate readily oxidized to stable bis(imino)phosphane oxides with aqueous H2O2.