In this contribution,
we report on the “free” [P(C2F5)2F2]− ion and its ligand
properties in transition metal complex chemistry.
For this purpose, Ag[P(C2F5)2F2] was treated with [{(Et2N)3PN}3PNHC(CH3)3]Cl ([EtP4H]Cl) to yield [EtP4H][P(C2F5)2F2], featuring a weakly coordinating phosphazenium
cation. Due to the weak interaction between the cation and anion,
the [P(C2F5)2F2]− ion meets the so-called pseudo-gas-phase conditions. To determine
the Tolman electronic parameter, [EtP4H][Ni(CO)3{P(C2F5)2F2}] was prepared
from [EtP4H][P(C2F5)2F2] and [Ni(CO)4], facilitating the classification
of the P(C2F5)2F2 moiety
as a moderately π-acidic ligand. By treatment of [EtP4H][P(C2F5)2F2] with [AuCl(tht)],
the neutral tetrahydrothiophene ligand was substituted by the phosphoranide
ion, yielding [EtP4H][AuCl{P(C2F5)2F2}]. When Ag[P(C2F5)2F2] was treated with [AuCl(tht)], on the
other hand, the chloride was substituted. Transmetalation reactions
of this type proved to be an efficient transfer method of the P(C2F5)2F2 moiety, as further
demonstrated by the reactions of Ag[P(C2F5)2F2] with [FeCl(CO)2Cp], [FeCl(CO)2Cp*], and [PdCl2(NCMe)2]. Surprisingly,
P(C2F5)2F demonstrated fluorinating
abilities toward [FeCl(CO)2Cp], [FeCl(CO)2Cp*],
[AuCl(tht)], and [PdCl2(NCMe)2]. Apparently,
fluorido transition metal complexes were generated in situ under the
formation of P(C2F5)2Cl. The fluorido
iron and palladium complexes transfer their fluoride ions onto P(C2F5)2F, yielding the respective phosphoranido
complexes, featuring the P(C2F5)2F2 moiety.