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Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Preparation and Use of Carbonyl-decorated Carbenes in the Activation of White Phosphorus
Published on: October 3, 2014
Facile Activation of Homoatomic σ Bonds in White Phosphorus and Diborane by a Diboraallene
Wei Lu1, Kai Xu2, Yongxin Li1
1Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Link 21, Singapore, 637371, Singapore.
Abstract:
Metal-free activation of homoatomic E-E σ bonds (E=P, B) in white phosphorus (P4 ) and bis(catecholato)diboron (B2 cat2 ) with a 1,2-diboraallene 1 is reported. The 1:1 and 1:2 reactions of P4 with 1 afford Bn P4 cages (2: n=2, 3: n=4), whereas a stoichiometric mixture of 1 and B2 cat2 undergoes homonuclear catenation through the addition of the B-B σ bond of B2 cat2 across the B=B double bond of 1 (i.e. diboration), which leads to the formation of a tetraborane (4) featuring a B4 chain.
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When atoms gain or lose electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration they form ions. Ionic bonds are electrostatic attractions between ions with opposite charges. Ionic compounds are rigid and brittle when solid and may dissociate into their constituent ions in water. Covalent compounds, by contrast, remain intact unless a chemical reaction breaks them.
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