Synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of the bis(imino) cyclodiphosphazane, [(PhN)P(NMe2)(NPh)]2

Abstract

The reaction of trans-[(PhN)P(NMe₂)]₂(1) with 2 equivalents of phenyl azide yields the bis(imino) derivative, trans-[(PhN)P(NMe₂)(NPh)]₂(2). The X-ray crystal structure of (2) reveals that the N₂P₂ ring and the phenyl groups attached to the ring nitrogen atoms are coplanar. The ring nitrogen atoms as well as the nitrogen atoms of the dimethylamino groups display trigonal planar geometry. The bond length of 1.518Å for the exocyclic PN bond indicates that this bond is not delocalised with the N₂P₂ ring system.