stable compounds; however, from their reactivity they must be regarded as alkynes rather
than as stable biscarbenes. The only argument for the carbene character of 2 was based on
the formation of the azaphospholidine 3 (carbene insertion into a carbon-hydrogen bond of
an isopropyl substituent) upon thermolysis of 2 at 300 oC.[zl The experimental conditions
used and the regioselectivity of the ring closure are consistent with this argument.