Selective Hydrolysis of Phosphorus(V) Compounds to Form Organophosphorus Monoacids

Jeffrey Ash, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Hai Huang, Changzhou University
Paula Cordero, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Jun Yong Kang, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Abstract

An azide and transition metal-free method for the synthesis of elusive phosphonic, phosphinic, and phosphoric monoacids has been developed. Inert pentavalent P(V)-compounds (phosphonate, phosphinate, and phosphate) are activated by triflate anhydride (Tf2O)/pyridine system to form a highly reactive phosphoryl pyridinium intermediate that undergoes nucleophilic substitution with H2O to selectively deprotect one alkoxy group and form organophosphorus monoacids.