ISSN 1017-2548(Print)
ISSN 2234-8530(Online)
Volume 18, Number 5
JKCSEZ 18(5)
October 20, 1974 

The electrochemical reduction of triphenylphosphine penylimide in nonaqueous media has been examined by polarography, cyclic voltammetry, controlled-potential coulometry and electron spin resonance spectroscopy. The reduction of triphenylphosphine phenylimide proceeds by a one-electron transfer to form anion radical which undergoes both protonation and a second one-electron reduction followed by cleavage of the phosphorus-nitrogen double bond. Aniline is a major product. The cleavage of a phosphorus-phenyl bond was also observed after reduction of triphenylphosphine oxide which is one of the major products of the chemical reaction which follow the primary process.