Frustrated Lewis Pair Adduct of Atomic P(-1) as a Source of Phosphinidenes (PR), Diphosphorus (P-2), and Indium Phosphide

We report phosphinidenes (PR) stabilized by an intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) chelate. These adducts include the parent phosphinidene, PH, which is accessed via thermolysis of coordinated HPCO. The reported FLP-PH species acts as a springboard to other phosphorus-containing compounds, such as FLP-adducts of diphosphorus (P-2) and InP3. Our new adducts participate in thermal- or light-induced phosphinidene elimination (of both PH and PR, R=organic group), transfer P-2 units to an organic substrate, and yield the useful semiconductor InP at only 110 degrees C from solution.

Automated summary

We report the stabilization of phosphinidenes (PR) by an intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) chelate. Our new adducts, including PH accessed through thermolysis of coordinated HPCO, act as a starting point for other phosphorus-containing compounds. These adducts participate in thermal- or light-induced phosphinidene elimination, transfer P-2 units to an organic substrate, and yield the semiconductor InP at only 110 degrees C from solution.