Heating pure samples of the cyclic phosphazenes, cis- or trans-[Me(Ph)PN](3), yielded mixtures of the cis and trans isomers of the cyclic phosphazene trimers, [Me(Ph)PN](3), and all four geometric isomers of the tetramers, [Me(Ph)PN](4). Varying the temperature and heating times changes the ratio of these components. Following the thermolysis by NMR spectroscopy indicated that only a mixture of the two isomeric trimers occurred initially. Longer heating times produced mixtures of the isomers of the tetramer. Column chromatography and solubility differences were used to separate each of the isomers of the tetramer. Spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic studies suggest that the four different geometrical isomers of the tetramer can be described as cone, partial cone, 1,2-alternate, and 1,3-alternate by analogy to calix[4]arene.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.