Metallaphosphenes of Group 13 - Synthesis, Structure and Reactivity

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Stephan Schulz
• Subject Area: Inorganic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 466114454

Group 13/15 compounds of the heavier elements with π-bonding contribution are still interesting compounds due to their electronic analogy to classical organic molecules. While the synthesis of B–N and Al–N compounds is well established and their chemical reactivity has been reported, reactivity studies of analogous compounds of the heavier elements are still rare. In this research project we will investigate the reactivity of metallaphosphenes L(X)MPM'L (M, M' = Al, Ga In) in single electron transfer and cycloaddition reactions as well as in bond activation reactions of small molecules and evaluate the influence of the polarity of the M–P double bond (M = Al, Ga, In) on the reactivity / selectivity. In addition, we will use metallaphosphaketenes for the synthesis of unknown P-centered π-systems. Aside from these stoichiometric bond activation reactions, we will also investigate the potential of metallaphosphenes for catalytic reactions (hydroboration and hydrosilylation reactions). Quantum chemical calculations as well as in situ 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopic studies will be performed to get deeper insights into the electronic structure of the compounds as well as to identify possible reaction mechanism.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr. Gebhard Haberhauer