Synthesis and oxidation of phosphine cations

Abstract

Cationic phosphines of the form [(L)PPh₂]⁺ are prepared from Ph₂PCl and carbenes (L), including a chiral bis(oxazoline)-based carbene, a cyclic(alkyl)(amino) carbene, and a 1,2,3-triazolium-derived carbene. A related dication was prepared from PhPCl₂ and a bis-carbene. The monocations, but not the dication, can be oxidized with XeF₂.