Synthesis of a Silylated Phosphorus Biradicaloid and Its Utilization in the Activation of Small Molecules

Reduction of silylated 1,3-dichloro-1,3-diphospha2,4- diazane, [ClP(mu-NHyp)](2) [Hyp = Si(SiMe3)(3)], with activated magnesium in dimethoxyethane allowed the isolation and full characterization of the first stable silylated biradicaloid, [P(mu-NHyp)](2). The oxidation of [P(mu-NHyp)](2) with selenium and sulfur was studied. Activation of molecules bearing double bonds was achieved in the reaction with acetone and carbon disulfide, yielding heteroatom cage compounds.