Iodine-Catalyzed, Efficient Synthesis of α-Hydroxy Phosphonates in Water

Abstract

An efficient and simple synthesis of α-hydroxy phosphonates from aldehydes and triethylphosphite in the presence of iodine in water has been developed. Environmentally benign reaction conditions, high yield, and easily available catalyst are important features of this method.

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Keywords:

• Aldehydes
• α-hydroxy phosphonates
• iodine
• triethylphosphite
• water

Acknowledgments

This work was financially supported by the Educational Committee of Shaanxi Province (Nos. 08JZ09, 09JK332, 2007B24) and Baoji University of Arts and Sciences (No. Zk064).