Versatile reagent Ph3As(OTf)2: One-pot synthesis of [P7(AsPh3)3][OTf]3 from PCl3

Abstract

Compound Ph3As(OTf)2 as a pentacoordinated AsV Lewis acid readily forms dicationic Lewis acid/base ad-ducts upon addition of various Lewis bases. It also represents a stronger chloride-abstracting agent than Me3SiOTf and facilitates the reductive coupling of PCl3 in the presence of AsPh3 to the unprecedented cation [P7(AsPh3)3]3+ as triflate salt. This crystallographically characterized nor-tricyclane-type cation represents a P7R3-derivative with the most electron-withdrawing substituents, resulting in a pronounced effect on the structural parameters of the P7 core.