Decomplexation of phosphirane and phosphirene complexes

Novel transient phosphinidene complex Ph-P=Mo(CO)(4)PMe3, generated from a 7-phosphanor-bornadiene precursor, adds to C=C and C C bonds to give Mo(CO)(4)PMe3-complexed phosphiranes and phosphirenes. The cis-PMe3 ligand weakens the interaction between the molybdenum complex and the three-membered ring. Under mild CO pressure the Mo(CO)(4)PMe3 transition metal group detaches from the phosphorus center of the ring structure by selective CO substitution. The resulting byproduct Mo(CO)(5)PMe3 can be reused in the synthesis of the phosphinidene precursor.