P, P-Dimethylformylphosphine: The Phosphorus Analogue of N, N-Dimethylformamide.

The neutral PCO derivative Ph3GePCO undergoes addition of borohydride to generate the anion [Ph3GePC(H)OBPh3]-. A subsequent deprotection strategy provides access to the monomethyl and dimethylformyl phosphines, Ph3GeP(Me)C(H)O and Me2PC(H)O, respectively. The latter species which is the phosphorus analogue of DMF, was characterized and shown to complex via phosphorus to Ru. A computational study also highlights the similarities and differences between the P- and N-containing molecules.