P atom as ligand in transition metal chemistry: Structural aspects

Abstract

• Structural features of phosphide complexes have been revised and analysed. • Bonding patterns of the different coordination modes have been rationalised. • 31 P{ 1 H} NMR spectral data of these phosphide complexes have been examined. The chemistry of transition metal compounds that contain a phosphorus atom acting as ligand, sometimes called “naked” phosphorus, started at the end of the last century. However, it is still an area of permanent interest and expansion, in which new examples of complexes with novel structural features are appearing in the literature. In this review, the phosphide complexes are classified based on the different coordination modes found in structurally characterised complexes for coordination numbers from 1 to 4 at the phosphorous atom. Structural aspects are discussed and, in some cases, the bonding patterns rationalised. Additionally to the structural analysis, data from 31 P NMR spectroscopy, as a potent characterization tool, are also revised and briefly analysed.