Frustrated Lewis pair-ligated tetrelenes

The reactivity of [PB{SiX2}] (X = Cl, Br; PB = 1,2-Pr-i(2)(C6H4)BCy2; E = Si, Ge) adducts is described, with an initial focus on reduction attempts to access [PB{E}](x) species; however, in all cases only free PB ligand was formed as the soluble product. Moreover, computations were performed to evaluate the energy penalty associated with EX2 dissociation from the PB chelates. Moving up the periodic table, the formal methylene adduct [PB{CH2}] was isolated and its reactivity was compared with its heavier element congeners of [PB{EH2}]. We also introduce new phosphine-borane frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) chelates and explore preliminary coordination chemistry with these ligands.

Automated summary

The reactivity of [PB{SiX2}] adducts was studied, focusing on reduction attempts to access [PB{E}](x) species. Only free PB ligand was formed as the product in all cases. Computational analysis was performed to evaluate the energy penalty associated with EX2 dissociation from the PB chelates. The reactivity of the formal methylene adduct [PB{CH2}] and its heavier element congeners of [PB{EH2}] was compared. New phosphine-borane frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) chelates were introduced and their coordination chemistry was explored.