A synthetic cycle for iminophosphorane synthesis involving direct intermolecular NP bond formation on N-derived molybdenum nitride.

NP bonds were built straightforwardly between N-derived molybdenum terminal nitride and phosphines. Subsequent PCET, oxidative decarbonylation and then reduction regenerated the N complex, developing a synthetic cycle transferring N into various iminophosphoranes. Both aryl and alkyl substituted phosphines proceeded smoothly.