Radical cations with a sulphur–phosphorus 2σ–1σ* three-electron bond in solution

Abstract

A transient radical cation with an intramolecular sulphur–phosphorus 2σ–1σ* three-electron bond is generated during the oxidation of 1-(diethylphosphino)-3-(methylthio)propane 1 in aqueous solution; it shows an optical absorption at λmax= 385 nm.