O-Phosphination of Aldehydes/Ketones toward Phosphoric Esters: Experimental and Mechanistic Studies

Addition of P-H species to carbonyl groups, namely the Pudovik reaction, normally delivers hydroxyl phosphorus compounds, along with phosphate byproducts in some cases. A few controllable systems starting from phosphites were set up to mainly provide the phosphates. Herein, we present a highly selective protocol starting from phosphonate precursors leading to phosphinate derivatives. Enantioenriched phosphinates were successfully achieved from chiral phosphine oxide precursors. Experimental and theoretical investigations were conducted to understand the mechanistic details.