Nonmetal-Mediated Fragmentation of P4: Isolation of P1 and P2 Bis(carbene) Adducts

摘要

Transition metals are well-known for activating small molecules and for stabilizing highly reactive species. A recent trend in the accomplishment of either of these goals is the use of nonmetals, especially stable singlet carbenes. Robinson and co-workers have reported that N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) give rise to stable adducts with HBBHand Si2, which are otherwise not isolable. We have shown that cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes (CAACs) can activate CO, H2, and even NH3, which is difficult when attempted with transition-metal centers.