Phosphinidenes (IUPAC: phosphanylidenes, formerly phosphinediyls) are low-valent phosphorus compounds analogous to carbenes and nitrenes, having the general structure RP.[1][2] The parent phosphinidine has the formula PH. More common are the organic analogues where R = alkyl or aryl. In these compounds phosphorus has only 6 electrons in its valence level.[2] Most phosphinidenes are highly reactive and short-lived, thereby complicating empirical studies on their chemical properties.[3][4]
A variety of strategies have been employed to stabilize phosphinidenes (e.g. π-donation, steric protection, transition metal complexation),[2][3] Furthermore reagents and systems have been developed that can generate and transfer phosphinidenes as intermediates in the synthesis of various organophosphorus compounds.[5][6][7][8]
^ abcLammertsma, Koop (2003), Majoral, Jean-Pierre (ed.), "Phosphinidenes", New Aspects in Phosphorus Chemistry III, Topics in Current Chemistry, vol. 229, Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer, pp. 95–119, doi:10.1007/b11152, ISBN978-3-540-36551-8, retrieved 2020-11-02