The electrophilic phosphinidene complex (Pr2N)-Pr-i-P=Fe(CO)(4) trapped byalkynes

The in-situ formation at -30 degrees C of the electrophilic phosphinidene c omplex (Pr2NPFe)-Pr-i(CO)(4), resulting from reaction of dichlorophosphine (Pr2NPCl2)-Pr-i with Na2Fe(CO)(4) (Collman's reagent), was demonstrated by trapping reactions with various alkynes. The resulting phosphirenes were ob tained in good yields. The reactivity of (Pr2NPFe)-Pr-i(CO)(4) is less than that of PhPW(CO)(5), which is, however, generated at much higher temperatu res. The stabilization of (Pr2NPFe)-Pr-i(CO)(4) in the reaction medium is d iscussed. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.