The First Synthesis of the Sterically Encumbered Adamantoid Phosphazane P₄(N^<i>t</i>Bu)₆: Enabled by Mechanochemistry

Abstract

All reported attempts to synthesize the tert-butyl-substituted adamantoid phosph(III)azane P4 (N(t) Bu)6 have failed, leading to the classification of this molecule as inaccessible and a literature example of steric control in chemistry of phosphorus-nitrogen compounds. We now demonstrate that this structure is readily accessible by a solvent-free mechanochemical milling approach, highlighting the importance of mechanochemical reaction environments in evaluating chemical reactivity.