Carbene-supported triphosphorus anion

The stabilization of reactive anionic main group species utilizing carbenes constitutes a burgeoning and scarcely explored field. Herein, we report the synthesis of an anionic triphosphorus [P₃]- unit, supported by two cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes (CAACs) in the form of potassium salts. This anion features a planar W-shaped conjugated C-P-P-P-C framework, characterized by 5-center-6-electron π delocalization and an additional σ lone pair located on each of the three phosphorus atoms. Remarkably, this anion is not only strongly basic and nucleophilic but also reductive, positioning versatile functionalization of the [P₃] unit. This approach has advanced the isolation of unique carbene-supported cores, including [HP₃], [P₃N₃R]^-, [P₃O]^- and [P₆], thus expanding the frontiers of phosphorus chemistry. Moreover, the addition of the two phosphorus fragments upon P-P bond cleavage of the [P₃] unit to the triple bond of diphenylacetylene for the synthesis of an extended conjugated system was described.