The insertion of alkylgallium(I) groups [Ga–C(SiMe3)3] into P–P bonds of P4: formation of a P4(GaR)3 cage

Abstract

The tetrahedral gallium(I) compound Ga4[C(SiMe3)3]4 1 reacted with white phosphorus by the threefold insertion of its monovalent gallium atoms into P–P bonds of the P4 tetrahedron with formation of a novel P4(GaR)3 cage possessing a structure similar to P4S3.