Abstract
Co(I), Co(II) and Co(III) complexes containing the same ligands, [Co(CNCH2Ph)3 {P(C6H4OMe-p)3}2]BF4 (1), [Co(CNCH2Ph)3{P(C6H4OMe-p)3}2](BF4)2 (2) and [Co(CNCH2Ph)4 {P(C6H4OMe-p)3}2](BF4)3 (3), have been synthesized and characterized. Syntheses of 3 by disproportionation or competing disproportionation and reduction reactions of the Co(II) complex [Co(CNCH2Ph)5]2+, and by AgBF4 oxidation of 2, are both unique reactions for alkylisocyanidetriarylphosphine complexes of Co(II). The physical properties of 1, 2 and 3 give little indication of their novel synthetic behavior.
Acknowledgements
We thank the Faculty of Science Research and Publications Committee of the University of Botswana for a grant supporting this research.