Synthesis of 1,4,7-triphenyl-1,4,7-triphosphacyclononane: The first metal-free synthesis of a [9]-aneP₃R₃ ring

The 1,4,7-triphenyl-1,4,7-triphosphacyclononane ([9]-aneP ₃Ph₃) macrocycle was synthesized through the reaction of lithium bis(2-phenylphosphidoethyl)phenylphosphine with 1,2-dichloroethane. [9]-aneP₃Ph₃ was subsequently coordinated to a Mo metal center and isolated as the fac-Mo([9]-aneP₃Ph₃)(CO) ₃ metal complex.