Synthesis of Diverse Aromatic Oxophosphorus Compounds by the Michaelis-Arbuzov-type Reaction of Arynes

Arynes, generated in situ from o-(trimethylsilyl)aryl triflates by treatment with a fluoride, have been shown to react efficiently with various alkoxyphosphines via a mechanism similar to the Michaelis-Arbuzov reaction. Diverse aromatic oxophosphorus compounds, including derivatives with an ortho-ester function, have become easily available from a common aryne precursor by this method.