Visible-Light-Driven Phosphonoalkylation of Alkenes

Phosphonylation of alkenes is important for the generation of valuable organophosphines. However, redox-neutral difunctionalization of alkenes with readily available H-P(O) compounds remains underdeveloped. Herein, we report the first visible-light-driven redox-neutral phosphonoalkylation of alkenes. A variety of organophosphorus-containing three-membered carbocyclic scaffolds are synthesized from alkene-bearing alkyl sulfonates with H-P(O) compounds. The transition-metal-free protocol displays good functional group tolerance, broad substrate scope, high yields, and mild reaction conditions.

Automated summary

This method achieves the redox-neutral phosphonylation of alkenes through visible-light catalysis, synthesizing various organophosphorus-containing three-membered carbocyclic scaffolds. The protocol shows good functional group tolerance, broad substrate scope, high yields, and mild reaction conditions.