Synthesis and structure of novel [Ph(RO)PSe2]− complexes

Abstract

Reaction of (PhPSe₂)₂ (Woollins reagent) with NaOR (R = Me, Et, ⁱPr) gives the non-symmetric phosphonodiselenoato anions [Ph(RO)PSe₂]⁻ which can be complexed to a range of metals. The nickel complex Ni[Ph(MeO)PSe₂]₂ adopts a square-planar ML₂ structure while the cadmium complex Cd[Ph(MeO)PSe₂]₂ displays a dimeric M₂L₄ structure. Two different lead complexes are observed, one consisting of PbL₂ units joined by Pb⋯Se interactions to form distinct dimeric pairs. The other displays a novel dimeric structure built around a central four-membered Pb₂Se₂ ring. All new compounds have been characterised spectroscopically (³¹P, ¹H, ¹³C NMR, IR, mass spectroscopy), by elemental analysis and five demonstrative X-ray structures are reported.