Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Amide Coupling Reaction for the Synthesis of Bispyridine-based Ligands and Their Complexation to Platinum as Dinuclear Anticancer Agents
Published on: May 28, 2014
Nickel(II) complexes containing bidentate amido phosphine ligands derived from alpha-iminophosphorus ylides:
Pei-Ying Lee1, Lan-Chang Liang
1Department of Chemistry and Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan.
Abstract:
The reactions of prop-2-ynyltriphenylphosphonium bromide with a series of primary aromatic or aliphatic amines in refluxing acetonitrile generated the corresponding 2-hydrocarbylaminoprop-1-enyltriphenylphosphonium bromide [RNHC(Me)=CHPPh(3)]+Br- (R = 2,6-C(6)H(3)iPr(2) (1a), 2,6-C(6)H(3)Me(2) (1b), Ph (1c), t-Bu (1d)) as crystalline solids. Deprotonation of 1a-d with NaH in THF at -35 degrees C afforded the alpha-iminophosphorus ylides RN=C(Me)CH=PPh(3) (2a-d) in high yield. Spectroscopic and crystallographic data of 2 suggest a strong intramolecular interaction between the imino nitrogen and the phosphorus atom. In contrast to N-arylated 2a-c, the N-tert-butyl-derived 2d is extremely moisture-sensitive. Hydrolysis of 2d led to elimination of benzene and generated concomitantly the phosphine oxide 3d that contains an ene-amine functionality. The reactions of 2a-c with Ni(COD)(2) in the presence of an excess amount of pyridine in toluene produced the divalent nickel complexes of the type [kappa(2)-RNC(Me)=CHPPh(2)]Ni(Ph)(Py) (4a-c). The solution and solid-state structures of these new compounds are presented.
Related Concept Videos
Structural Isomerism
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can be...
Aldehydes and Ketones with Amines: Imine Formation Mechanism
Imines are formed under mildly acidic conditions. A pH of 4.5 is ideal for the reaction.
If the pH is low or the solution is too acidic, the reaction slows down in the...
Aldehydes and Ketones with Amines: Imine and Enamine Formation Overview
Preparation of 1° Amines: Gabriel Synthesis
Strong bases like NaOH or KOH deprotonate the phthalimide to form the corresponding anion, which acts as a nucleophile. Further, the anion attacks an...
Complexometric Titration: Ligands
Preparation of 1° Amines: Azide Synthesis
Azide ions act as good nucleophiles and react with unhindered alkyl halides to form alkyl azides. Alkyl azides do not participate in further nucleophilic substitution reactions, thereby eliminating the chances of polyalkylated products. Alkyl azides are reduced by hydride-based reducing agents, like lithium aluminum...

