Phosphoranes
class of compounds
A phosphorane (IUPAC name: λ5-phosphane) is a functional group in organophosphorus chemistry with pentavalent phosphorus. Phosphoranes have the general formula PR5.
Phosphoranes of the type PX5 adopt a trigonal bipyramidal molecular geometry with the two apical bonds longer than the three equatorial bonds. Hypervalent bonding is described by inclusion of non-bonding MOs, as also invoked for the closely related molecule phosphorus pentafluoride.
Examples
The parent hydride compound is the hypothetical molecule PH5.
Pentaphenylphosphorane (Ph5P) is stable.
Pentaalkoxyphosphoranes are more common with electronegative substituents. Examples of P(OR)5 (R = alkyl), have however been prepared by reaction of phosphites with benzene alkyl sulfenates:
P(OR)3 + 2 ROSC6H5 → P(OR)5 + (SC6H5)2
Wittig reagents
Phosphoranes of the type R3P=CR2 are more common and more important. Phosphoranes are also considered to be one of the resonance structures of ylides, these compounds feature a tetrahedral phosphorus center including a phosphorus–carbon double bond. These compounds are used as reagents in the Wittig reaction, for instance methylenetriphenylphosphorane or Ph3P=CH2.
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