Wavelength- and Temperature-dependent Photolysis of a Diphosphene. Generation of 2,4,6-Tri-t-butylphenylphosphinidene and E/Z Isomerization

A phospha-indane derivative was obtained via intramolecular C–H insertion of the phosphinidene generated as an intermediate by the photolysis of E-1,2-bis(2,4,6-tri-t-butylphenyl)diphosphene whereas the photolysis through a Pyrex filter at −40 °C gave an equilibrium mixture of E and Z.