Synthesis of Phosphine Chalcogenides Using Tetrabutylammonium Chalcogenocyanates.

The new chalcogenylation of phosphines using ⁿ Bu ₄ N‧XCN (X = S, Se) is described. The reaction in 1,2-dichloroethane at 120 °C provided the corresponding phosphine sulfides in good to high yields. The protocol could be extended to the synthesis of phosphinic acid derivatives as well as sulfurization of poly(styrene-co-4-styryldiphenylphosphine).