Dimethylaminophosphorus dichloride is an organophosphorus compound with the formula Me2NPCl2 (Me = methyl). A colorless liquid, it is a reagent in the preparation of other organophosphorus compounds. Many analogous compounds can be prepared from the reactions of secondary amines and phosphorus trichloride: 2 R2NH + PCl3 → R2NPCl2 + R2NH2Cl
Reactions Further equivalents of amine react with dialkylaminophosphorus dichlorides: 2 R2NH + R2NPCl2 → (R2N)2PCl + R2NH2Cl
Since the P-NR2 bond is not attacked by Grignard reagents, dimethylaminophosphorus dichloride can be selectively dimethylated: 2 MeMgBr + Me2NPCl2 → Me2NPMe2 + 2 MgBrCl The resulting dimethylphosphino derivative, a structural relative of tetramethylhydrazine, reacts with hydrogen chloride to give chlorodimethylphosphine: Me2NPMe2 + 2 HCl → ClPMe2 + Me2NH2Cl
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