The stability of phosphiranes can be enhanced by inclusion of the PC2 ring
into a polycyclic framework. BABAR-Phos type phosphiranes are easily prepar
ed in high yield, they are thermally stable and allow the synthesis of vari
ous platinum(0) complexes. In contrast to other platinum(0) phosphine compl
exes, these are active hydrosilylation catalyst precursors. The reversible
insertion of an electron rich metal centre into one P-C bond of the phosphi
rane ring was demonstrated for the first time. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevi
er Science Ltd. All rights reserved.