A total loss of innocence: double ortho-metallation of bis(triphenylphosphano)iminium cation, [N(PPh3)2]+, by tris(η-naphthalene)tantalate(1−)

Abstract

For the first time [N(PPh₃)₂]⁺, or [PPN]⁺, has been shown to undergo an irreversible reaction with a transition metal complex under ambient conditions and affords a product containing a unique structural motif in which two phenyl groups on onePPh₃ substituent of [PPN]⁺ are ortho-metallated, while the third phenyl ring is hydrogenated to provide a tantalum bound 1,3-cyclohexadiene group.