Nonmetal‐Mediated Fragmentation of P₄: Isolation of P₁ and P₂ Bis(carbene) Adducts

Abstract

Cutting P4 in pieces! Stable singlet carbenes react with white phosphorus at room temperature to afford P4 , P3 , P2 , and even P1 fragments that are stabilized by the carbene moiety (see picture). This process of activation and fragmentation, which was previously carried out using transition metals, can lead to the environmentally friendly production of phosphorus derivatives.