The first mixed-anion complex of a lithium phosphazene: Synthesis and crystal and solution structure of [(LiCH2P(Ph)(2)=NPh)center dot(LiOC6H2-2,6-{C(CH3)(3)}-4-CH3)](2)

The crystal and toluene solution structure (X-ray, H-1, Li-7, C-13, P-31 NMR) of a mixed-anion lithium phosphazene-phenolate, 10, is a six-rung ladder consisting of two LiPCN units fused to a central Li2O2 core, which provides insight into the function of phosphazenyl-stabilized carbanions as reagents. The mixed aggregate showed decreased reactivity toward benzaldehyde with respect to the uncomplexed anion.