Synthesis and Reactivity of a Cyclooctatetraene-Like Polyphosphorus Ligand Complex [Cyclo-P8]

Abstract

The thermolysis of Cp′′′Ta(CO)4 with white phosphorus (P4) gives access to [{Cp′′′Ta}2(μ,η2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1-P8)] (A), representing the first complex containing a cyclooctatetraene-like (COT) cyclo-P8 ligand. While ring sizes of n >6 have remained elusive for cyclo-Pn structural motifs, the choice of the transition metal, co-ligand and reaction conditions allowed the isolation of A. Reactivity investigations reveal its versatile coordination behaviour as well as its redox properties. Oxidation leads to dimerization to afford [{Cp′′′Ta}4(μ4,η2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1-P16)][TEF]2 (4, TEF=[Al(OC{CF3}3)4]−). Reduction, however, leads to the fission of one P−P bond in A followed by rapid dimerization to form [K@[2.2.2]cryptand]2[{Cp′′′Ta}4(μ4,η2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1-P16)] (5), which features an unprecedented chain-type P16 ligand. Lastly, A serves as a P2 synthon, via ring contraction to the triple-decker complex [{Cp′′′Ta}2(μ,η6 : 6-P6)] (B).