Selective [3+1] Fragmentations of P₄ by “P” Transfer from a Lewis Acid Stabilized [RP₄]^- Butterfly Anion

Two [3+1] fragmentations of the Lewis acid stabilized bicyclo[1.1.0]tetraphosphabutanide Li[Mes*P₄⋅ BPh₃] (Mes*=2,4,6-tBu₃C₆H₂) are reported. The reactions proceed by extrusion of a P₁ fragment, induced by either an imidazolium salt or phenylisocyanate, with release of the transient triphosphirene Mes*P₃, which was isolated as a dimer and trapped by 1,3-cyclohexadiene as a Diels–Alder adduct. DFT quantum chemical computations were used to delineate the reaction mechanisms. These unprecedented pathways grant access to both P₁- and P₃-containing organophosphorus compounds in two simple steps from white phosphorus.