An unusual reaction of α-alkoxyphosphonium salts with Grignard reagents under an O2 atmosphere

Abstract

An unusual and novel reaction of α-alkoxyphosphonium salts, generated from O,O-acetals and Ph₃P, with Grignard reagents under an O₂ atmosphere afforded alcohols in moderate to high yields. It was clarified by isotopic labelling experiments that the reaction proceeded via a novel radical pathway.