Cyclo-oligomerization of isocyanates with Na(PH₂) or Na(OCP) as “P⁻” anion sources

We show that the 2-phosphaethynolate anion, OCP⁻, is a simple and efficient catalyst for the cyclotrimerization of isocyanates. This process proceeds step-wise and involves five-membered heterocycles, namely 1,4,2-diazaphospholidine-3,5-dionide anions and spiro-phosphoranides as detectable intermediates, both of which were also found to be involved in the catalytic conversion. These species can be considered as adducts of a phosphide anion with two and four isocyanate molecules, respectively, demonstrating that the OCP⁻ anion acts as a formal “P⁻” source. The interconversion between these anionic species was found to be reversible, allowing them to serve as reservoirs for unique phosphorus-based living-catalysts for isocyanate trimerization.