Phosphinidenoid metal complexes: structure, properties and reactions

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Rainer Streubel
• Subject Area: Inorganic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: from 2008 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 82511661

This project is designed to develop the chemistry of M/X-phosphinidenoid metal complexes. The general aim is to identify commonalities and differences between this novel class of compounds and well established carbenoids and silylenoids, and to carry out systematic studies in order to elucidate structure-property relationships. Based on results of the first funding period, where a solvens-separated ion structure for dileptic complexes of group 6 metals was determined, we now want to investigate the influence of the transition-metal complex fragment MLn, the substitution pattern at the phosphorus center and of the nature of the counter ion on structure and reactivity. To this end we plan, e.g., to synthesize diastereomerically pure Li/X-phosphinidenoid metal com-plexes, instead of the racemic Li/X complexes, or to study Mg/X and Cu/X complex derivatives. Of particular importance is the explorative use of these new P1 building blocks in order to access novel classes of compounds such as: 1) unligated M/X-phosphinidenoids, 2) electrophilic terminal phosphinidene metal(0) complexes, 3) phosphinidenes, 4) highly strained three-membered P-heterocycles with exocyclic double bonds, 5) phosphorus-rich complexes and 6) phospha-heterovinylidene complexes. The theoretical analysis of unusual bonding situations (and reaction pathways) shall be done in collaboration with L. Nyulászi/Budapest and A. Espinosa/Murcia to further in-depth insight.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants