One-pot synthesis of primary phosphines from white phosphorus

TL;DR

A new method allows direct conversion of white phosphorus into primary phosphines using organotin compounds and chlorides, avoiding harmful intermediates.

Contribution

A direct, one-pot synthesis of primary phosphines from white phosphorus using organotin compounds is introduced.

Findings

Aryl and alkyl chlorides can be used with white phosphorus to synthesize primary phosphines directly.

A multi-gram synthesis of PhPH2 was achieved with efficient recovery of organotin reagents for potential reuse.

Abstract

Aryl and alkyl chlorides are inexpensive and readily accessible, making them ideal reagents for converting white phosphorus (P4) into primary phosphines RPH2. However, methods for achieving this transformation directly, bypassing undesired intermediates like PCl3, have remained elusive. This report describes the ‘one-pot’ synthesis of primary organophosphines from P4 using organotin compounds, including a multi-gram synthesis of PhPH2 featuring efficient recovery of organotin reagents for potential recycling.

‘One-pot’ synthesis of primary phosphines from P4 using organotin compounds and aryl or alkyl chlorides, including multi-gram synthesis of PhPH2.

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