Palladium-catalyzed dehydrative allylation of hypophosphorous acid with allylic alcohols

A novel palladium-catalyzed allylation of H3PO2 with allylic alcohols is described. The phosphorus-carbon bond-forming reaction produces allylic-H-phosphinic acids and water, in the absence of additives. Primary H-phosphinic acids are obtained in excellent yields, whereas secondary H-phosphinic acids react sluggishly. A reusable polymer-supported catalyst is also described. The reaction provides an environmentally sound approach to H-phosphinic acids.