The reaction of arylaldehydes with hexamethylphosphorous triamide and the use of the resulting products for the synthesis of enamines and deoxybenzoins

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1991-26428

The reaction between the arylaldehydes 1a,b and hexamethylphosphorous triamide 2 leads to the [aryl(dimethylamino)methyl]phosphonic bis(dimethylamides) 3a,b. These can be easily deprotonated by butyllithium in 1,2-dimethoxyethane and condensed with arylaldehydes to afford enamines 4a-f or deoxybenzoins 5a-f in fair to good yield.