Catalyst-free P-C coupling reactions of halobenzoic acids and secondary phosphine oxides under microwave irradiation in water

4-Bromo and 3-bromobenzoic acids along with 4-iodobenzoic acid underwent P-C coupling reactions with diarylphosphine oxides in the absence of any catalyst in water as the solvent under microwave irradiation. The phosphinoylbenzoic acids obtained were converted into the corresponding ethyl esters in yields of 59-82%. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.