Chapter 4 - Reactivity of P–H Group of Hypophosphorous Acid and Its Derivatives

Abstract

In this chapter, methods for preparation of hypophosphorous acid, its salts, esters, and hypophosphite borane complexes are described. The characteristic reactions of P–H group-addition reactions, alkylation, cross-coupling and transfer hydrogenation—of hypophosphorous acid, its salts, esters, and borane complexes are included in this chapter. A possible reaction mechanisms of some of the above reactions are discussed. Synthesis of α-amino-H-phosphinic substrates—key synthons for the construction of phosphinic dipeptide derivatives is a part of this chapter. A novel approach to H-phosphonates from hypophosphorous acid, as an environment friendly and inexpensive reagent, using a transfer hydrogenation process is described.