Reversible, photoinduced activation of P4 by low-coordinate main group compounds

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/chem.201402031

Two unique systems based on low-coordinate main group elements that activate P₄ are shown to quantitatively release the phosphorus cage upon short exposure to UV light. This reactivity marks the first reversible reactivity of P₄, and the germanium system can be cycled 5 times without appreciable loss in activity. Theoretical calculations reveal that the LUMO is antibonding with respect to the main group element-phosphorus bonds and bonding with respect to reforming the P₄ tetrahedron, providing a rationale for this unprecedented activity, and suggesting that the process is tunable based on the substituents.