Synthesis and crystal structure of the tetraalkylammonium salts of 1,2,3,4-tetramercapto-1,2,3,4-tetrathioxotetraphosphetane based on white phosphorus

The reaction of P₄ with sulfur, 3-methylbutane-1-thiol and alkylamines yields tetraalkylammonium salts of tetraphosphetane previously unknown; the crystal structure of the tetrakis(triethylammonium) salt of 1,2,3,4-tetramercapto-1,2,3,4-tetrathioxotetraphosphetane is determined by X-ray diffraction analysis.