Conversion of η2-phosphinocarbene complexes into tungstaphosphabicyclo[1.1.0]butanone units

Abstract

Cationic η 2-phosphinocarbene complexes [ η 2-C 5H 5(CO)(PMe 3) [PF 6] (R=Me, Ph, Tol) react at −78°C with alkyl isonitriles R′NC (R′=Me, tBu) to provide tungstaphosphabicyclo[1.1.0]butanone complexes [ η 5-C 5H 5(R′NC)(PMe 3) [PF 6] in high yields. The constitution of the yellow bicyclic compounds was determined by spectroscopic investigations and, in the case of the 4-methylphenyl substituted compound 2c, additionally by X-ray single crystal structure analysis. Crystal data for 2c are as follows: space group P2 1/ n (No. 14), a=907.80(10), b=3658.1(6), c=1085.2(2) pm, α=90°, β=106.27(1)°, γ=90°, Z=4.