Organophosphorus intermediates. Part I. The formation and decomposition of phenylphosphinic anhydride

Abstract

Attempts to synthesise phosphinic amides for use as intermediates in the study of “metaphosphate” type compounds are described. In the case of phenyl phosphinic amides the attempts were defeated by the intermediate formation of phenylphosphinic anhydride which undergoes a facile and remarkable decomposition to give phenylphosphonic acid, tetraphenylcyclotetraphosphine, and phenylphosphine. The mechanism of the reaction is discussed in terms of the formation of phenylphosphinidene but attempts to demonstrate this were inconclusive.