Fig. 6: ‘Semi-catalytic’ cycle for the synthesis of asymmetric phosphines.

One-pot reaction of [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)] (1) with MeLi (I, R′ = Me), quenching with MeI (II, R″ = Me), reaction with KBnz (III, R‴ = Bnz) and subsequent thermolysis with white phosphorus (IV).