Phosphine imide

 ( Functional Groups ) 

In chemistry a phosphine imide (sometimes abbreviated to phosphinimide) also known as a iminophosphorane is a functional group with the formula R₃P=NR. While structurally related to phosphine oxide its chemistry has more in common with phosphonium .

Anions of this group, with the structure R₃P=N⁻, are called and are used as ligands to form phosphinimide complexes which are highly active catalysts in some olefin polymerization reactions.

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Synthesis Phosphine imides can be isolated as intermediates in the Staudinger reaction and have also been prepared by the action of hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid on , proceeding via a p-aminophosphonium salt.

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Reactions and applications The functional group will readily hydrolyse to give a phosphine oxide and an amine

R₃P=NR' + H₂O → R₃P=O + R'NH₂

Phosphinimide ligands of the general formula NPR₃⁻ form transition metal phosphinimide complexes. Some of these complexes are potential catalysts for the synthesis of polyethylene.

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See also

• Aminophosphine
• Phosphazene

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