Chapter 1 - Phosphine-Boranes and Related Ambiphilic Compounds: Synthesis, Structure, and Coordination to Transition Metals

Abstract

Ambiphilic derivatives, also called “amphoteric derivatives”, are polyfunctional compounds combining Lewis bases and Lewis acids. Such donor–acceptor compounds typically combine group 15 and 13 elements featuring, respectively, a lone pair of electrons and a vacant orbital. Among the possible combinations, phosphine-boranes (PB) clearly occupy a forefront position. In addition, PBs and related ambiphilic compounds have been shown to be versatile ligands for transition metals. Here, the phosphine moieties are used as anchors to introduce Lewis acids in close proximity to metal centers, thereby facilitating the participation of the Lewis acids in the coordination. This chapter presents the synthesis and structure of PBs, followed by their coordination to transition metals and the properties of the ensuing complexes. The related ambiphilic derivatives combining phosphines with other Lewis acid moieties (heavier group 13 or group 14 elements) are also discussed.