NHC-Mediated Aggregation of P 4 : Isolation of a P 12 Cluster

Just like transition metal complexes, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) promote the aggregation of white phosphorus (P 4 ) as shown by the high yield synthesis of a P 12 cluster capped by two NHCs. The nuclearity observed is equal to that of the largest phosphorus cluster prepared using transition metals, but the architecture of the P 12 core is entirely novel.