thermodynamic/kinetic control in the isomerization of the [[tBuNP(mu-NtBu)]2]2- ion.

The unique structure of [(tBuN)(2)PK]( infinity ) (2) (containing [(tBuN)(2)P](-) monoanions) is in stark contrast to the previously reported Li(+) analogue [[[tBuNP(mu-NtBu)](2)](2)]Li(4) (1) (containing the dimeric [[tBuNP(mu-NtBu)](2)](2-) ion). DFT and (31)P NMR spectroscopic studies reveal that the formation of the monoanion arrangements are most thermodyamically favored for Li, Na, and K, 1 being the product of kinetic control and 2 being the product of thermodynamic control.