t-BuOK-mediated reductive addition of P(O)–H compounds to terminal alkynes forming β-arylphosphine oxides

Abstract

A novel and efficient t-BuOK-mediated reductive addition of P(O)–H compounds to terminal alkynes was developed. A variety of β-arylphosphine oxides including the valuable β-heteroarylphosphine oxides were produced in moderate to high yields under mild reaction conditions. This reaction may proceed via a tandem process involving regio-selective double addition and subsequent transfer hydrogenation.