A new and convenient approach for the synthesis of P-stereogenic intermediates bearing a tert-butyl(methyl)phosphino group

Chiral organophosphorus compounds possessing a P-stereogenic center have been widely used as agricultural chemicals, pharmaceuticals, organocatalysts, and ligands for transition-metal catalysis. P-Stereogenic intermediates bearing a tert-butyl(methyl)phosphino group are important for the preparation of several commonly used diphosphine ligands. However, previously reported synthetic methods used hazardous starting materials and are difficult to operate. In order to overcome these limitations, a new and convenient synthesis for a number of P-stereogenic intermediates possessing a tert-butyl(methyl)phosphino group has been developed. The reported route relies on an air- and moisture-stable secondary phosphine oxide prepared from a readily available starting material, trichlorophosphane.