Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Preparation and Reactivity of a Triphosphenium Bromide Salt: A Convenient and Stable Source of Phosphorus(I)
Published on: November 22, 2016
A simple route to chiral phosphinous acid-boranes
Delphine Moraleda1, David Gatineau, David Martin
1Université Aix-Marseille, Institut des Sciences Moléculaires de Marseille, ECM, CNRS, UMR 6263, Av. Escadrille Normandie Niemen, Marseille Cedex 20, 13397.
This study presents a straightforward one-pot method for creating enantiomerically enriched phosphinous acid-boranes. The synthesis utilizes readily available starting materials, offering an efficient route to valuable chiral organophosphorus compounds.
Area of Science:
- Organophosphorus Chemistry
- Asymmetric Synthesis
Background:
- Chiral phosphinous acid-boranes are important synthetic intermediates.
- Efficient methods for their enantioselective synthesis are highly sought after.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple and efficient one-pot synthesis for enantiomerically enriched alkyl- and arylphenylphosphinous acid-boranes.
Main Methods:
- The synthesis employs a readily available chiral phosphinate precursor, (R(P))-(-)-menthylhydrogenophenylphosphinate.
- Organolithium reagents are used to functionalize the phosphinate.
Main Results:
- The one-pot procedure successfully yields enantiomerically enriched phosphinous acid-boranes.
- The method is applicable to both alkyl and aryl substituted products.
Conclusions:
- A practical and efficient one-pot synthesis for chiral phosphinous acid-boranes has been established.
- This method provides access to valuable chiral organophosphorus compounds from accessible precursors.
Related Concept Videos
α-Bromination of Carboxylic Acids: Hell–Volhard–Zelinski Reaction
Chirality at Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur
A consequence of chirality is the need for enantiomeric resolution. While this is theoretically possible for all...
Prochirality
Regioselectivity and Stereochemistry of Hydroboration
Hydroboration proceeds in a concerted fashion with the attack of borane on the π bond, giving a cyclic four-centered transition state. The –BH2 group is bonded to the less substituted carbon and –H to the more substituted carbon. The concerted nature requires the simultaneous addition of –H and –BH2 across the same face of the alkene giving syn stereochemistry.
Hydroboration-Oxidation of Alkenes
Alkynes to Aldehydes and Ketones: Hydroboration-Oxidation
One of the convenient methods for the preparation of aldehydes and ketones is via hydration of alkynes. Hydroboration-oxidation of alkynes is an indirect hydration reaction in which an alkyne is treated with borane followed by oxidation with alkaline peroxide to form an enol that rapidly converts into an aldehyde or a ketone. Terminal alkynes form aldehydes, whereas internal alkynes give ketones as the final product.
