Catalytic cleavage of phosphate ester bonds by boron chelates

摘要

Novel chemical compounds are disclosed having the general formula L{YX_m}_n, wherein X is selected from the Group 13 elements, Y is a halide, and L is a chelating ligand containing at least one binding atom contacting the Group 13 element, the atom being selected from the group consisting of C, N, O, and S, and m and n are integers having a value of at least 1. L may be a Schiff base type ligand, such as a salen ligand. The compositions of the present invention may be bidentate, quadridentate, or greater. The compositions may be used in dealkylation of phosphate esters or ethers. Advantageously, the methods of the present invention may be rendered catalytic.