Four new metal ion complexes with phosphatrane ligands have been isolated a
nd characterized including AuBr3(SP(OCH2CH2)(3)N), AuI3(SP(OCH2CH2)(3)N), A
uBr3(OP(OCH2CH2)(3)N) and [MeHg(SP(OCH2CH2)(3)N)](NO3). The phosphatranes a
re examples of hypervalent phosphorus ligands which ave bound through oxyge
n or sulfur to the metal ion. These complexes are unique models for propose
d intermediates in metal ion promoted phosphate ester substitution reaction
s. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.