Transformation of an η1-coordinated phosphaalkyne into a bridging phosphinidene ligand

The tripalladium cluster [Pd3(μ3-CO)(μ-dppm)3](PF6)2 (1) reacts with two equivalents of tBuCP to give [Pd3(μ-dppm)3(η1-PCBut)2](PF6)2 (2). Prolonged storage of acetone solutions of 2 only resulted in the isolation of [Pd3(μ-dppm)3(η1:μ3-PCH2But)(OCMe2)](PF6)2 (3). Compound 3 has been characterized by X-ray crystallography.