Efficient synthesis of α-substituted ethylphosphonates via CuH-catalyzed conjugate reduction of terminal alkenylphosphonate

Abstract

An unprecedented approach toward synthesis of α-substituted ethylphosphonates based on CuH-catalyzed conjugate reduction of vinylphosphonates has been successfully developed. This protocol features mild conditions, broad substrate scope, good functional group compatibility, high overall efficiencies, and easy gram-scale synthesis. The Cu-catalyzed reduction takes place in a highly selective manner on the phosphono substituted CC bond in the case of the reaction of alkenylphosphonates bearing both phosphono and alkyl or aryl substituted alkene moieties. Furthermore, the result of competitive reaction indicates that the Cu-catalyzed conjugate reduction of vinylphosphonate is more challenging and reproducible than the corresponding acrylate’s reaction.