The α-Iminophospholide Ligands

The reaction of phospholide ions with imidoyl chlorides in the presence of tBuOK gives the α-iminophospholides that are isolated as their trimethylstannyl derivatives. These derivatives in turn react with metal chlorides to give complexes of the title ligands. A DFT study shows that substantial electronic delocalization takes place between the imino group and the phospholyl ring in these anions. The X-ray crystal structure of one stannylphosphole shows a highly pyramidal phosphorus atom (sum of angles = ca. 280°). A tetrameric copper complex has also been structurally characterized.