P-Rich Silylphosphanes: Synthesis and Reactions

Abstract The availability of the phosphanortricyclenes P7(SiMe3)3, P4(SiMe2)3 [l], P7R3 (R = alkyl), their complexchemical properties [2], the formation of Li3P7 and other Li- phosphides by the lithiation of (Me3Si)2P-P(SiMe3)2 in ether solution [3] are the causes for the increased interest in P-rich silylphosphanes and lead to the develop-ment of new methods for the synthesis of P- functional tri- and tetraphosphanes [4], in which certain P-atoms bear reactive groups (SiMej,H,Li), while others are blocked by alkyl-groups. Since the formation of transition-metal-complexes reflects, aside of sterical factors, the electronic system of the ligand, it appears to be important, in order to understand the chemistry of P-rich silylphosphanes, to examine their complexing properties. That's why different aspects of the chemistry of P-rich, silylated compounds are surveyed simultaneously.