Abstract
In a convenient one-pot sequence, treatment of 1,2-diketones with sodium in dry tetrahydrofuran followed by addition of phosphorodichloridate and phosphorothiodichloridate yields 2-oxo-p-1,3,2-dioxaphospholes and 2-thioxo-p-1,3,2-dioxaphospholes, respectively in moderate to good overall yields.