Solution and Solid‐State Structure of a Lithiated Phosphane Oxide

Abstract

The anionic benzyl carbon atom is sp2 hybridized in 1, the first lithiated phosphane oxide that has been characterized by X-ray crystallography. In the solid state as well as in THF solution, 1 is shown to exist as a dimer with no LiC contacts. Unlike related phosphonamides, 1 prefers an orthogonal conformation of the benzylic group in the solid state.