A 2-pyridyl (py) attached phosphine imine [P(Npy)(NHpy)3] and an imido phosphinate ion [P(Npy)2(NHpy)2]− in its Ag(i) complex

Abstract

A new phosphine imine 3, [P(Npy)(NHpy)3] (py = 2-pyridyl), was synthesized from the phosphonium salt 1, [P(NHpy)4]Cl. Subsequent reaction of 1 or 3 with AgClO4 lead to an unprecedented penta-nuclear Ag(I) complex 4 stabilized by two [P(Npy)2(NHpy)2]− anions [L]−. The packing diagram of 4 shows an interesting channel structure which contains solvated molecules of methanol and toluene. The diimine ligand [L]−, which represents the N-analogue of a phosphinate ion (H2PO4−), was obtained in situ under the mild reaction conditions in the absence of a base.