Metal and organometal complexes of oxy- and thiophosphorus acids IV. O,O-alkylene and dialkyl dithiophosphates of zirconium(IV)

O,O-Alkylene and dialkyl dithiophosphates of zirconium(IV), Cl4−nZr(dtp)n [dtp=S(S)POC(Me)2C(Me)2O, n=1, 2, 3 and 4; dtp=S(S)POCH2C(Me2)CH2O or S(S)P(OPri)2, n=2, 3 and 4] have been synthesised by the reactions of zirconium tetrachloride with ammonium salts of O,O-alkylene and dialkyl dithiophosphoric acids in appropriate stoichiometric ratios in refluxing dichloromethane. All these compounds are hydrolysable white powdery or waxy solids and soluble in common organic solvents. These derivatives have been characterised on the basis of elemental analyses, IR and NMR (1H, 13C and 31P) spectral studies. A chelating bidentate behaviour of dithiophosphato moieties has been proposed. The NMR data indicate stereochemical non- rigidity in solution.