The Reactivity of Arylphosphorus Acid Amides Under Birch Reduction Conditions

Abstract Several classes of arylphosphorus acid amides have been tested in reactions with alkali metal solutions in liquid ammonia. The outcomes of such reactions depend on the structures of the starting materials. Generally, two processes – Birch reduction or cleavage of the P–aryl bond – can be operative. Diarylphosphinic amides tend to undergo double Birch reduction to afford bis(cyclohexadienyl)phosphinic amides.