N2 Cleavage on d4/d4 Molybdenum Centers and Its Further Conversion into Iminophosphorane under Mild Conditions

The synthesis of N-containing organophosphine compounds using N-2 as the nitrogen source under mild conditions has attracted much attention. Herein, the conversion of N-2 into iminophosphorane was reported. By visible light irradiation, N-2 was split on a MoII complex bearing a PNCNP ligand, directly forming the MoV nitride. After the N-P bond formation on the terminal nitride, the N atom from N-2 was ultimately transferred into iminophosphorane. Key intermediates were characterized.

Automated summary

In this study, a new method for converting N-2 into iminophosphorane was reported, and N-containing organophosphine compounds were successfully synthesized under mild conditions. The efficient cleavage and transformation of N-2 were achieved by visible light irradiation and specific ligands.