A oxygen-dependent reductive dechlorination of chloroform by (Bisdiphenylphosphinomethane)cobalthexacarbonyl Co2(CO)6(dppm)

The reaction of Co2(μ-dppm)(CO)6 with aerated chloroform affords [Co{Ph2P(O)CH2P(O)Ph2}3][CoCl4] in low yield, and this reaction is demonstrated to be prevented under anaerobic conditions representing an unusual example of a reductive dechlorination which only takes place in the presence of oxygen.