[Ph2P(CH2)3]2Zn: X-ray crystal structure determination and reaction with group 11 metal salts

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/om00149a019

The structure of bis[3-(diphenylphosphino)propyl]zinc, [Ph₂P(CH₂)₃]₂Zn (I), has been determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. Crystals of I are monoclinic, space group P2₁/a, with four molecules in a unit cell of dimensions a = 14.224 (6) ?, b = 19.340 (9) ?, c = 9.984 (2) ?, and β = 102.14 (3)° The structure was refined to R = 0.069 (R_w = 0.054) for 1732 observed reflections. The zinc atom is four-coordinate, both phosphorus atoms being involved in intramolecular coordination. The value of the carbon-zinc-carbon angle of 147.1 (4)° is intermediate between that of a linear and of a tetrahedral bond arrangement NMR spectroscopy shows that the chelating monomeric structure persists in solution. Reactions of I with group 11 metal salts are described. Only the gold derivative, dimeric [3-(diphenylphosphino)propyl]gold, [Ph₂P(CH₂)₃Au]₂, is sufficiently stable to allow isolation. A cyclic structure containing a ten-membered Au₂P₂C₆ ring is proposed.