Abstract
Tri(1-adamantyl)phosphine, a simple yet long-absent homoleptic phosphine, has finally been prepared. The simplicity of this compound beguiles its exceptional properties. The electron-releasing character eclipses all other alkylphosphines. The phosphine geometry and overall size are also more compact than anticipated, which may occur as a result of dispersion forces. We believe the donicity, marked resistance towards cyclometallation or P−C bond scission, and also substantial polarizability engendered by the three diamondoid fragments together account for the phenomenal performance of Pd-PAd3 catalysts during Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions. A correlation analysis is also described that provides support for polarizability as a potentially general influence on the properties of tertiary phosphines.
1 Introduction
2 Synthesis of Tri(1-adamantyl)phosphine
3 Reactions of Tri(1-adamantyl)phosphine Palladium Complexes
4 Electronic and Steric Properties of Tri(1-adamantyl)phosphine
5 Conclusion
Key words
phosphine - ligand - catalysis - cross-coupling - palladium - diamondoid