Photolytic Reductive Elimination of White Phosphorus from a Mononuclear cyclo‐P4 Transition Metal Complex. Issue 6 (14th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mandla, Kyle A.; Moore, Curtis E.; Rheingold, Arnold L.; Figueroa, Joshua S.
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie international edition. Volume 58:Issue 6(2019)
• Page Start: 1779
• Page End: 1783
• Publication Date: 2018-11-14
• Subjects: main-group chemistry -- molybdenum -- photochemistry -- photoelimination -- white phosphorus; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.201809042
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1433-7851

Abstract

Abstract: Elemental white phosphorus (P4 ) is well recognized as a critical precursor to organophosphorus compounds. However, regulatory constraints stemming from the toxic and pyrophoric nature of white phosphorus have significantly limited its accessibility. Herein is described a new approach to white phosphorus storage and release based on a unique example of photolytic reductive elimination of the tetrahedral P4 molecule from a mononuclear cyclo‐P4 molybdenum complex. The latter functions as an air‐stable, chemically‐deactivated source of white phosphorus. The system features efficient photo‐release of white phosphorus using inexpensive violet LED sources. Additionally, high‐yield recapture of unspent white phosphorus by the molybdenum center can be achieved by post‐photolysis heating at convenient temperatures. Abstract : Shine some light : The pyrophoric and toxic nature of white phosphorus (P4 ) creates significant difficulties for handling and transport. Reported here is a new storage and release system for white phosphorus based on photolytic reductive elimination of the P4 molecule from a mononuclear cyclo ‐P4 transition metal complex.