Synthesis and characterisation of zirconium complexes with the diphosphinophosphide ligands –P(CH2CH2PR2)2(R = Me or Et); crystal structure of bis[bis(2-dimethylphosphinoethyl)phosphido]pentachlorohydridodizirconium(IV)

Abstract

A new high-yield selective synthesis of the ditertiary phosphino secondary phosphines P(CH₂CH₂PR₂)₂H (R = Me or Et) has been developed. Following deprotonation, the multidentate anionic phosphides have been applied to the synthesis of new classes of zirconium and hafnium phosphides New compounds of the form [ZrCl₂L₂], [Zr₂Cl₆L₂], [Zr₂Cl₅HL₂] and [Zr₂Cl₃L₃][L =^–P(CH₂CH₂PMe₂)₂]are reported and are characterised by spectroscopic and analytical methods. The crystal structure of the hydrido complex has been determined and shows a binuclear structure containing bridging phosphide and hydride ligands.