A Single-Crystal X-Ray Analysis of a Novel Intramolecular Hydrogen-Bonded Biphenyl Phosphorane

An X-ray crystal structure and 1H n.m.r. analysis of the biphenyl phosphorane (4a) has revealed the presence of an intramolecular hydrogen bond resulting in an unusual biphenyl with a bridge forming a nine- membered ring. The related biphenyl phosphorane (4b) exists as two diastereoisomers.