Selective functionalization of white phosphorus is achieved by addition of ArLi to unique cationic coinage metal η2–P4 complexes.

A simple and efficient methodology is presented for the synthesis of a wide range of substituted imines. It is based on stabilizing readily available, but thermally labile, N-alkylnitrilium triflates with pyridine or DMAP to moderately air-stable adducts. These base-stabilized imine synthons react conveniently with phosphorus- and nitrogen-based nucleophiles to amidines and phosphaamidines.

Base-Stabilized Nitrilium Ions as Convenient Imine Synthons. -The simple method represents an efficient strategy for the synthesis of a wide range of substituted imines. It is based on N,N-dimethylaminopyridine or pyridine stabilized N-alkylnitrilium triflates which react with phosphorus or nitrogen-based nucleophiles. -(VAN DIJK, T.; BAKKER, M. S.; HOLTROP, F.; NIEGER, M.; SLOOTWEG, J. C.; LAMMERTSMA*, K.; Org. Lett. 17 (2015) 6, 1461-1464, http://dx.doi.org/10.