Phosphinidene

Phosphinidenes (IUPAC: phosphanylidenes, formerly phosphinediyls) are low-valent phosphorus compounds analogous to carbenes and nitrenes, having the general structure RP. The parent phosphinidine has the formula PH. More common are the organic analogues where R = alkyl or aryl. In these compounds phosphorus has only 6 electrons in its valence level. Most phosphinidenes are highly reactive and short-lived, thereby complicating empirical studies on their chemical properties.

A variety of strategies have been employed to stabilize phosphinidenes (e.g. π-donation, steric protection, transition metal complexation), Furthermore reagents and systems have been developed that can generate and transfer phosphinidenes as intermediates in the synthesis of various organophosphorus compounds.