Abstract
The reaction of [Li(Ph4P2N4S2R)THF]2 with alkyl iodides R′I produces the msymmetrically substituted derivatives Ph4P2N4(SR)(SR′) as lithium iodide adducts. The coordinated LiI is readily removed in CH3CN or CH2Cl2 to give the eight-membered rings in a boat conformation (∂ 31P = 14–17 ppm). The boat conformers readily isomerize to the corresponding chair somers (∂ 31P = 25–29 ppm) upon gentle heating.