P-Rich Silylphosphanes; Synthesis and Reactions

The availability of the phosphanortricyclenes P 7 (SiMe 3 ) 3 , P 4 (SiMe 2 ) 3 [l], P 7 R 3 (R = alkyl), their complexchemical properties [2], the formation of Li 3 P 7 and other Li- phosphides by the lithiation of (Me 3 Si) 2 P-P(SiMe 3 ) 2 in ether solution [3] are the causes for the increased interest in P-rich silylphosphanes and lead to the develop-ment of new methods for the synthesis of P- functional tri- and tetraphosphanes [4], in which certain P-atoms bear reactive groups (SiMej,H,Li), while others are blocked by alkyl-groups. Since the formation of transition-metal-complexes reflects, aside of sterical factors, the electronic system of the ligand, it appears to be important, in order to understand the chemistry of P-rich silylphosphanes, to examine their complexing properties. That's why different aspects of the chemistry of P-rich, silylated compounds are surveyed simultaneously.