P atom as ligand in transition metal chemistry: Structural aspects

The chemistry of transition metal compounds that contain a phosphorus atom acting as ligand, sometimes called naked phosphorus, started at the end of the last century. However, it is still an area of permanent interest and expansion, in which new examples of complexes with novel structural features are appearing in the literature. In this review, the phosphide complexes are classified based on the different coordination modes found in structurally characterised complexes for coordination numbers from 1 to 4 at the phosphorous atom. Structural aspects are discussed and, in some cases, the bonding patterns rationalised. Additionally to the structural analysis, data from P-31 NMR spectroscopy, as a potent characterization tool, are also revised and briefly analysed. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This review focuses on the chemistry of transition metal compounds with phosphorus atom ligands, discussing the classification of phosphide complexes, coordination modes, structural analysis, and the use of P-31 NMR spectroscopy for characterization. The field continues to be of interest with new examples of complexes appearing in literature.