Organophosphazenes. 15. Reactions of Hexafluorocyclotriphosphazene with Tert- and n-Butyl Lithium Reagents

Abstract : The reactions of tert- and n-butyl lithium reagents with hexafluorocvclotriphosphazene (N3P3F6) have been examined. In contrast to the behavior of n-butyl lithium. The reaction of t-butyl lithium with N3P3F6 gives good yields of N3P3F5C4H9. While the n-butyl lithium reaction follows a geminal pathway at the stage of disubstitution, the t-butyl lithium reaction gives exclusively the trans non-geminal isomer for the compounds N3P3F6-n (t-C4H9)n(n = 2,3). This is the first example of a regio and stereospecific reaction in phosphazene chemistry.