Synthesis of water-soluble phosphinophenol for traceless staudinger ligation

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-0029-1219353

The traceless Staudinger ligation can be mediated in water without organic co-solvents if charged groups render the phenylphosphine reagent water soluble. Here the synthesis of a new water-soluble phosphine is presented based on a diphenylphosphino-phenol reagent. Staudinger ligation with this reagent and azido glycine amide showed conversion of 77%.