Reductive-elimination of phosphide units; the basis of a general approach to a range of alloys and materials

Abstract

Heterometallic alkali metal/Group 15 (E = As–Bi) phosphinidene cage compounds (containing RP²⁻ groups) are thermally unstable, decomposing via the formation of thermodynamically stable P–P single bonds into Zintl compounds containing E₇³⁻ or E₄²⁻ anions. This approach provides access to photoactive alkali metal antimonates and a potentially general route to a range of new and existing alloys. This short review aims to highlight the mechanism of the phosphide-coupling reaction involved and the scope of this strategy in future materials synthesis.