Abstract
The anion Ph2P− (K+, 18-crown-6) reacts with t-BuHgCl in HMPA to form Ph2PCMe3 by a free radical chain mechanism. In Me2SO, Ph2P(O)CMe3 is produced. Reaction of Ph2P− with PhCOCH2HgCl yields the oxidative dimerization product isolable from HMPA but readily converted to Ph2P(O)P(O)Ph2 in Me2SO.