Abstract
An alternative synthesis of C-monoacetylenic phosphaalkenes trans-Mes*P=C(Me)(C≡CR) (Mes* = 2, 4, 6-tBu3Ph, R = Ph, SiMe3) from C-bromophosphaalkenes cis-Mes*P=C(Me)Br using standard Sonogashira coupling conditions is described. Crystallographic studies confirm cis-trans isomerization of the P=C double bond during Pd-catalyzed cross coupling, leading exclusively to trans-acetylenic phosphaalkenes. Crystallographic studies of all synthesized compounds reveal the extend of π-conjugation over the acetylene and P=C π-systems.