Dimerization of Molecular Phosphorus Oxides

Ambivalent chemical reactivity is characteristic for molecular phosphorus oxides: They either react in a vigorous and uncontrolled manner or they are practically inert, for example, in attempts at controlled ring‐opening reactions. Thus, the spontaneous dimerization of P4O6⋅BH3 to give P8O12⋅2 BH3 (see crystal structure) is a real surprise.