Mechanistic Investigations of Reactions of the Frustrated Lewis Pairs (Triarylphosphines/B(C6F5)3) with Michael Acceptors.

Frustrated Lewis pair (FLP)-catalyzed reduction of Michael acceptors is a challenging reaction that proceeds with specific FLP structures. Kinetics and equilibrium of the reactions of two phosphines (Ar3P), namely tri(1-naphthyl)phosphine and tri(o-tolyl)phosphine, are reported with reference electrophiles. The reason for the failure of the FLPs (Ar3P/B(C6F5)3) to reduce activated alkenes under H2 pressure is shown to be a hydrophosphination process that inhibits the reduction reaction. Kinetic and thermodynamic factors controlling both pathways are discussed in light of Mayr's free linear energy relationships.