Synthesis and X-ray structure of [{Li(thf)2PHMes}n](thf = tetrahydrofuran; Mes = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2)

Abstract

The reaction between Ph₂Mes (Mes = 2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂) and LiBuⁿ in tetrahydrofuran (thf) at ambient temperature affords the crystalline polymeric lithium phosphide [{Li(thf)₂PHMes}_n], whose X-ray structure shows a helical arrangement of four-co-ordinate P and Li atoms and the presence of both helical enantiomers (P and M), which are related by two crystallographic glide planes.