N2 Cleavage on d4/d4 Molybdenum Centers and Its Further Conversion into Iminophosphorane under Mild Conditions.

The synthesis of N-containing organophosphine compounds using N2 as the nitrogen source under mild conditions has attracted much attention. Herein, the conversion of N2 into iminophosphorane was reported. By visible light irradiation, N2 was split on a MoII complex bearing a PNCNP ligand, directly forming the MoV nitride. After the N-P bond formation on the terminal nitride, the N atom from N2 was ultimately transferred into iminophosphorane. Key intermediates were characterized.