The synthesis, structure and reactivity of an imine-stabilized carboranylphosphorus(i) compound.

A new imine-stabilized carboranyl-phosphinidene has been synthesized and structurally characterized. DFT studies suggest that the imine moiety provides an electron pair to stabilize carboranyl-phosphinidene. On the other hand, the sterically demanding carboranyl ligand can prevent the dimerization, facilitating the formation of monomeric phosphinidene. These observations are supported by the reactivity studies. Such a monovalent phosphorous(i) compound can undergo reactions with Cu(OAc)2, S, Se, (TMS)CHN2 and HCl to give various phosphorus(iii) species. All compounds are fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy, elemental analyses as well as single-crystal X-ray analyses.