Neutral Phosphorus-Based Beryllium Scorpionate Complexes as Spectroscopic Probes for Base Strength and Electron Donation.

The synthesis and properties of tris(diisopropylphosphanylmethyl)phenylborate ([TP(iPr)]-) beryllium complexes [TP(iPr)]BeL with L = Cl, Br, I, CN, SCN, OCN, N3, and CF3SO3 are described. In these compounds, the 1JPBe NMR coupling constant can be used as a sensitive probe for the basicity and electron-donating properties of the L- anions in solution.