Synthesis and structure of the macrocycle [(OCH < inf > 2 < /inf > CEt < inf > 2 < /inf > CH < inf > 2 < /inf > O) {P(N-t-Bu) < inf > 2 < /inf > P}] < inf > 2 < /inf >

Abstract

The compound [(OCH2CEt2CH 2O){P(N-t-Bu)2P}]2 (7) has been synthesized by the reaction of the cyclodiphosphazane [ClPN-t-Bu]2 (1) with an equimolar quantity of 2,2-diethyl-1,3-propanediol. An X-ray structure determination confirms that it is a 16-membered macrocycle. This mode of reaction is compared with those of 1 with various other difunctional amines/alcohols where only monomeric (in cyclodiphosphazane units) compounds are isolated. Reaction of 1 with half mole equivalents of the diols HOCH 2CR2CH2OH [R = H, Me, Et] afforded products formulated as (OCH2CR2CH2O){P(N-t-Bu) 2PCl}2. Attempts to incorporate lithium ion into 7 and the related methyl compound [(OCH2CMe2CH 2O){P(N-t-Bu)2P}]2 (4) have not been successful.