Structural authentication of an N-functionalised disecondary diphosphane

Abstract

The reaction of RPCl₂ [R = (6-Me-2-pyridyl)(SiMe₃)₂C^–] with LiAlH₄ in Et₂O gives the novel N-functionalised disecondary diphosphane compound [R(H)P–P(H)R] rather than the expected phosphorus dihydride complex RPH₂; the meso and rac isomers of the diphosphane crystallise separately with the meso isomer being structurally authenticated.