Distinction between coordination and phosphine ligand oxidation: interactions of di- and triphosphines with Pn(3+) (Pn = P, As, Sb, Bi).

Reactions of polydentate phosphines with sources of Pn(3+) (Pn = P, As, Sb, Bi) yield complexes of Pn(1+) (Pn = P, As) or Pn(3+) (Pn = Sb, Bi) acceptors. The distinction between coordination of a phosphine center to Pn and oxidation of a phosphine ligand is dependent on Pn. The first structurally verified triphosphine complexes of Sb(III) and Bi(III) acceptors are reported.