Synthesis of Exceptionally Stable Iron and Rutheniumη1-tetrahedro-Tetraphosphorus Complexes: Evidence for a Strong Temperature Dependence of M−P4 π Back Donation

Abstract

At variance with white phosphorus, the most reactive allotrope of the element, which is unstable and ignites spontaneously in air, the new η1-tetrahedro-tetraphosphorus complexes [Cp*M(PR3)2(η1-P4)]Y (M=Fe, Ru; Y=Cl, PF6, BPh4, BAr; Cp*=C5Me3 the structure of the [Cp*Fe(Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2)(η1-P4)]+ ion is depicted) exhibit a surprising and unprecedented thermal stability and an astonishing reluctance to react with oxygen and other oxidants.