Patent ID: 8465715

Claim:
A method for synthesizing a metal bis(borano) hypophosphite complex (M[PH 2 (BH 3 ) 2 ] x ), comprising the steps of: preparing a first suspension solution of an alkali or alkaline earth metal borohydride compound with a first quantity of a first dry solvent within a first closed container; preparing a second suspension solution of phosphorous trichloride with a second quantity of the first dry solvent within a second closed container; cooling the first and second closed containers and their contents to a temperature below 0° C.; adding the second suspension solution to the first suspension solution contained within the first closed container to provide a reaction solution; mixing the cold reaction solution at ambient temperature conditions and allowing the reaction solution to warm to room temperature; removing all or most of the first dry solvent from the first closed container to provide a solid residue; adding a quantity of a second solvent to the solid residue to form a third suspension solution; filtering the third suspension solution through a quantity of diatomaceous earth to provide a first filtrate liquid and a quantity of solid material deposited on the quantity of diatomaceous earth; collecting the first filtrate liquid; and removing the second solvent and any remaining first solvent from the first filtrate liquid under vacuum to provide white solid material comprising M[PH 2 (BH 3 ) 2 ] x , where M is an alkali or alkaline earth metal and where x=1 or 2 based upon the valence of M.