A new reaction pathway in organophosphorus chemistry: competing SN2- and AE'-pathways for nucleophilic attack at a phosphorus-cage compound

Competition: A combination of 31P NMR spectroscopic and calculational studies have shown that nucleophilic substitution in the phosphorus-carbon cage compound ClP3(CtBu)2 occurs through competing SN2- and AE-type reaction pathways (see scheme for model compound ClP3(CH)2). The AE mechanism results in the formation of a C2v-symmetric intermediate prior to release of the chloride ion.