Phosphomonoesters and phosphodiesters derived from the photohydrolysis of 2-methoxy-5-nitrophenyl substituted phosphotriesters

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4020(94)01012-O

Phosphotriesters composed of one or two 2-methoxy-5-nitrophenyl group(s) can be quantatively photohydrolyzed in aqueous acetonitrile to yield the desired phosphodiester or phosphomonoester, respectively. Photohydrolysis occurs by attack of hydroxide at both the phosphoryl phosphorus and at the ipso-carbon in the triplet exited state of the 2-methoxy-5-nitrophenyl substituted phosphoesters. The photophysical studies described within imply that this type of reaction may be synthetically useful.