Phosphine imide

Functional group
Triphenylphosphine phenylimide is a simple commercially available phosphine imide where all R-groups are phenyls

In chemistry a phosphine imide (sometimes abbreviated to phosphinimide) also known as a iminophosphorane is a functional group with the formula R3P=NR. While structurally related to phosphine oxide its chemistry has more in common with phosphonium ylides.

Anions of this group, with the structure R3P=N, are called phosphinoimidates and are used as ligands to form phosphinimide complexes which are highly active catalysts in some olefin polymerization reactions.[1]

Synthesis

Phosphine imides can be isolated as intermediates in the Staudinger reaction and have also been prepared by the action of hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid on phosphines, proceeding via a p-aminophosphonium salt.[2]


Reactions and applications

The functional group will readily hydrolyse to give a phosphine oxide and an amine

R3P=NR' + H2O → R3P=O + R'NH2

Phosphinimide ligands of the general formula NPR3 form transition metal phosphinimide complexeses. Some of these complexes are potential catalysts for the synthesis of polyethylene.[1]

See also

  • Aminophosphine
  • Phosphazene

References

  1. ^ a b Dehnicke, Kurt; Krieger, Matthias; Massa, Werner (February 1999). "Phosphoraneiminato complexes of transition metals". Coordination Chemistry Reviews. 182 (1): 19–65. doi:10.1016/S0010-8545(98)00191-X.
  2. ^ Appel, Rolf; Büchner, Werner; Guth, Egbert (26 November 1958). "Zur Kenntnis des Imins, I. Über Phosphinimine und Sulfimine". Justus Liebigs Annalen der Chemie. 618 (1): 53–58. doi:10.1002/jlac.19586180107.
  • v
  • t
  • e
Functional groups
Hydrocarbons
(only C and H)Only carbon,
hydrogen,
and oxygen
(only C, H and O)
R-O-R
carbonyl
carboxy
Only one
element,
not being
carbon,
hydrogen,
or oxygen
(one element,
not C, H or O)
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Sulfur
Boron
Selenium
Tellurium
Halo
Other