A novel catalytic three-component synthesis (Kabachnick-Fields reaction) of alpha-aminophosphonates from ketones

A novel and highly convenient catalytic variant of the synthesis of alpha-aminophosphonates on basis of the Kabachnik-Fields reaction [three-component reaction of ketones, diethylphosphite and either benzylamine (series a) of ammonium carbonate (series b)] in the presence of tetra-tert-butylphthalocyanines has been developed. This method affords alpha-aminophosphonates in acceptable yields for various ketones, including cyclic, sterically hindered and cage ketones. The unsubstituted alpha-aminophosphonic acids were also obtained from the corresponding esters of series b.