Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
![[DPEPhosbcpCu]PF6: A General and Broadly Applicable Copper-Based Photoredox Catalyst](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F59739.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
[DPEPhosbcpCu]PF6: A General and Broadly Applicable Copper-Based Photoredox Catalyst
Published on: May 21, 2019
Reversible, photoinduced activation of P₄ by low-coordinate main group compounds
Jonathan W Dube1, Cameron M E Graham, Charles L B Macdonald
1Department of Chemistry and Center for Advanced Materials and Biomaterials Research (CAMBR), The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St., N6A 5B7 London, Ontario (Canada), Fax: (+1) 519-661-3022.
Abstract:
Two unique systems based on low-coordinate main group elements that activate P4 are shown to quantitatively release the phosphorus cage upon short exposure to UV light. This reactivity marks the first reversible reactivity of P4, and the germanium system can be cycled 5 times without appreciable loss in activity. Theoretical calculations reveal that the LUMO is antibonding with respect to the main group element-phosphorus bonds and bonding with respect to reforming the P4 tetrahedron, providing a rationale for this unprecedented activity, and suggesting that the process is tunable based on the substituents.
Related Concept Videos
Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry
Selection Rules: Photochemical Activation
Cycloaddition Reactions: MO Requirements for Photochemical Activation
ortho–para-Directing Activators: –CH3, –OH, –⁠NH2, –OCH3
Thermal and Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Overview
ortho–para-Directing Deactivators: Halogens
meta-Directing Deactivators: –NO2, –CN, –CHO, –⁠CO2R, –COR, –CO2H

