# Synthesis and Characterization of Transition Metal Complexes Supported by Phosphorus Ligands Obtained Using Hydrophosphination of Cyclic Internal Alkenes

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method to create phosphorus ligands using hydrophosphination, which are useful in catalysis and coordination chemistry.

## Contribution

The novel use of hydrophosphination to synthesize bulky phosphorus ligands with unique geometries for catalytic applications.

## Key findings

- A phosphine ligand from diphenylphosphine and acenaphthylene adopts an unusual spatial geometry.
- The ligand forms well-characterized complexes with Au(I), Ag(I), Cu(I), and Pd(II), confirmed by X-ray diffraction.
- These complexes show reactivity in cross-coupling, hydroamination, and alkyne hydration reactions.

## Abstract

The design and study of rich, bulky phosphorus ligands is a key area of research for homogeneous catalysis. Here, we describe an original strategy using a hydrophosphination reaction to produce phosphines of interest for coordination chemistry and homogenous catalysis. In particular, the phosphine obtained by reacting diphenylphosphine with acenaphthylene (ligand 2) gives a ligand that adopts an unusual spatial geometry. The coordination chemistry of the ligand has been investigated with Au(I), Ag(I), Cu(I), and Pd(II), for which a complete characterization could be made, particularly in X-ray diffraction studies. The reactivity of some of these complexes has been demonstrated, particularly in Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions and Au-catalyzed hydroaminations and in the hydration of alkynes.