Addition of a Cyclophosphine to Nitriles: An Inorganic Click Reaction Featuring Protio, Organo, and Main‐Group Catalysis

Abstract

Abstract The addition of a cyclotriphosphine to a broad range of nitriles gives access to the first examples of free 1‐aza‐2,3,4‐triphospholenes in a rapid, ambient temperature, one‐pot, high‐yield protocol. The reaction produces electron‐rich heterocycles (four lone pairs) and features homoatomic σ‐bond heterolysis, thereby combining the key features of the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition chemistry of azides and cyclopropanes. Also reported is the first catalytic addition of P−P bonds to the C≡N bond. The coordination chemistry of the new heterocycles is explored.