A neutral, acyclic, borataalkene-like ligand for group 11 metals: L- and Z-type ligands side by side

The overall neutral alpha-borylated phosphorus ylide Ph3PC(Me)BEt2 behaves like a polar borataalkene and can act as acyclic, ambiphilic pi-type ligand with L- and Z-type functionalities side by side. In the complexes [MX{eta(2)-Ph3PC(Me)BEt2}] (M = Cu, (Ag), Au; X = Cl, NTf2), the bonding is dominated by the highly nucleophilic ylidic carbon atom (L-type ligand). The Lewis acidic boron atom furnishes nonetheless a small but significant bonding contribution (Z-type ligand).

Automated summary

The overall neutral alpha-borylated phosphorus ylide Ph3PC(Me)BEt2 behaves like a polar borataalkene and can act as an acyclic, ambiphilic pi-type ligand with L- and Z-type functionalities side by side. In the complexes, bonding is dominated by the highly nucleophilic ylidic carbon atom (L-type ligand), but the Lewis acidic boron atom also contributes to bonding (Z-type ligand).