The first ring-expanded NHC-copper(i) phosphides as catalysts in the highly selective hydrophosphination of isocyanates.

A range of N-heterocyclic carbene-supported copper diphenylphosphides (NHC = IPr, 6-Dipp, SIMes and 6-Mes) were synthesised. These include the first reports of ring-expanded NHC-copper(i) phosphides. The compounds were characterised by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Reaction of (6-Dipp)CuPPh2 with isocyanates, isothiocyanates and carbon disulfide results in the insertion of the heterocumulene into the Cu-P bond. The NHC-copper phosphides were found to be the most selective catalysts yet reported for the hydrophosphination of isocyanates. They provide access to a broad range of phosphinocarboxamides in excellent conversion and good yield.