Metal selection of ligand functionality in [(mes)2P(O)2Li·2thf]2 and [{(Me3Si)2N}Cd{(mes)2P O}2Li·2thf] (mes = C6H2Me3-2,4,6)

The reaction of LiBu n with [(mes) 2 P(H)O] affords the diorganophosphinate complex [(mes) 2 P(O) 2 Li·2thf] 1 and [(mes) 2 PLi], however, addition of [Cd{N(SiMe 3 ) 2 } 2 ] to the mixture gives the diorganophosphinite complex [{Me 3 - Si) 2 N}Cd{(mes) 2 PO} 2 Li·2thf] 2; the formation of these complexes illustrates that the ligand functionality of 1 can be controlled by the character of the coordinated metal ion.