Organocatalyzed synthesis of functionalized vinylphosphonates in water

The reaction between diethyl(alpha-acetoxymethyl) vinylphosphonate 1 and nitrogen- or sulfur-based nucleophiles occurs easily at room temperature in water as a solvent in the presence of 1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.1]octane (DABCO) as an organocatalyst. This simple procedure enables the synthesis of nitrogen-and sulfur substituted vinylphosphonates, and also allows a convenient use of water-soluble salts as nucleophiles.