Synthesis and structural characterisation of a novel phosphine-borane-stabilised dicarbanion and an unusual bis(phosphine-borane)

Chem Commun (Camb). 2004 Mar 7:(5):570-1. doi: 10.1039/b315068b. Epub 2004 Jan 29.

Abstract

The reaction between the phosphine-borane-substituted alkene [Pr(n)(2)P(BH(3))](Me(3)Si)C[double bond]CH(2) and elemental lithium in THF yields the complex [(pmdeta)Li[Pr(n)(2)P(BH(3))](Me(3)Si)CCH(2)](2)(2b) after recrystallisation; an X-ray crystallographic study of 2b reveals that the lithium is bound to the BH(3) hydrogens of the ligand, with no Li-C(carbanion) contact.