Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of alpha-Hydroxy-benzylphosphonates and -benzylphosphine Oxides

A series of alpha-hydroxy-benzylphosphonates and -benzylphosphine oxides was synthesized by the Na2CO3-catalyzed microwave-assisted addition of dialkyl phosphites and dipenylphosphine oxide to P-substituted benzaldehydes. The solventless reaction provided the products in short reaction times and in 71-88% yield. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 22:15-17, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.20649