Simple Synthesis of Functionalized 2-Phosphanaphthalenes.

A simple synthesis of sodium 2-phosphanaphthalene-3-olate (1) based on the extrusion of N2 from phthalazine using Na[OCP] is reported. This heterocycle can be readily functionalized at the negatively charged oxygen center using a variety of electrophilic substrates. The coordination chemistry of both 1 and its neutral derivatives was explored, revealing their facile use as P-donor ligands for late-transition-metal complexes.