, 928 (1985). The X-ray crystal structure of di-p,-iodobis[bis(phenylphosphine)co~per(I)] has been determined: R, = 0.0460. The crystals were monoclinic, space group Cc, a = 10.625(2) A, b = 25.1 15(8) A, c = 1 1.361(2) A, P = 105.929(15)", fw = 821.28, and Z = 4. The molecular structure consists of two C U I ( C~H~P H~)~ units bridged via the iodines so that each copper achieves tetrahedral coordination. Nuclear magnetic resonance data provides evidence that the phenylphosphines remain coordinated in solution but undergo rapid exchange at room temperature. qui sont relites par les iodes d'une fa~on telle que chaque atome de cuivre atteint une coordination tCtraCdrique. Sur la base des donnCes de la rmn, on peut affirmer que, en solution, les phCnylphosphines restent coordinnkes mais qu'elles subissent un Cchange rapide a la temptrature ambiante.[Traduit par le journal] Introduction phine, arsine) appeared to be potentially useful for investigaAlthough basicity and donor ability are well known propertions concerning the relative importance of steric and electronic ties of trivalent compounds of the group 5 elements there has factors because a large number of X-ray crystallographic been relatively little investigation of the coordination chemistry studies have shown that the steric bulk of both the neutral of hydrides and organohydrides of these elements other than nitrogen. Presumably this is because the tertiary derivatives, especially the triphenyl compounds, are much easier to work with and much less susceptible to oxidation. While it is reasonable to expect that the coordination chemistry of primary and secondary phosphines will be very similar to that of tertiary derivatives potential differences do exist. For example, there is evidence for the dissociation of P-H bonds with resultant formation of phosphido complexes (1). Also it has been noted that the order of basicity for phosphines is