Distinction between coordination and phosphine ligand oxidation: interactions of di- and triphosphines with Pn3+ (Pn = P, As, Sb, Bi)

Abstract

Reactions of polydentate phosphines with sources of Pn³⁺ (Pn = P, As, Sb, Bi) yield complexes of Pn¹⁺ (Pn = P, As) or Pn³⁺ (Pn = Sb, Bi) acceptors. The distinction between coordination of a phosphine center to Pn and oxidation of a phosphine ligand is dependent on Pn. The first structurally verified triphosphine complexes of Sb(III) and Bi(III) acceptors are reported.