A convenient synthesis of bis(phosphino)methanes: Formation of a nickel(II) bis(phosphino)methane monoxide complex

The reaction of (trimethylsilyl)methyl phosphines R2PCH2SiMe3 with chlorophosphines View the MathML sourceClPR2′ provides ready access to a range of symmetrical or non-symmetrical diphosphinomethanes View the MathML sourceR2PCH2PR2′. The products are obtained cleanly and can be used directly in the synthesis of transition metal complexes. This is illustrated by the preparation and structural characterization of the corresponding NiCl2(P–P) derivatives.