Donor–acceptor complexes formed by phosphoryl tricyanide, phosphoryl tri-isocyanate, and phosphorus tricyanide

Abstract

Evidence is presented for the formation of phosphorus tricyanide complexes with pyridine or triphenylphosphine oxide. The formation of similar complexes play an important role in the oxygen-transfer reactions of pyridine N-oxide or dimethyl sulphoxide with phosphorus tricyanide leading to phosphoryl tricyanide. It is also concluded that the association of dimethylformamide and other substituted amides with phosphorus tricyanide involves the interaction of the cyanide group and the amide.