Tuning of tellurium particles derived from the displacement reaction of a tellurourea with a phosphinidene

While attempting to prepare a N-heterocyclic carbene-based tellurourea adduct of trifluoromethylphosphinidene, detelluration was observed, forming a carbene-PCF 3 adduct alongside nano-/micro-particles of tellurium, which could subsequently have their growth controlled via concentration and substrate changes. Use of steel, copper, silicon, or glass substrates affords different morphologies of particles, while concentration impacts the size, growth, and general distribution of isolated or fused particles.