NHC-Mediated aggregation of P4:: Isolation of a P12 cluster

Just like transition metal complexes, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) promote the aggregation of white phosphorus (P-4) as shown by the high yield synthesis of a P-12 cluster capped by two NHCs. The nuclearity observed is equal to that of the largest phosphorus cluster prepared using transition metals, but the architecture of the P-12 core is entirely novel.