Unexpected stereoselective synthesis of (Z)-β-alkenyl substituted β-amino phosphonates through β,γ-dihydrogen shift reaction catalyzed by a copper(I) complex and iodine [Cu(MeCN)4]PF 6/I2

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/adsc.201300838

A series of dialkyl a-diazophosphonates has been prepared from natural amino acids. The diazo decomposition of these diazophosphonate compounds with tetrakis(acetonitrile)copper(I) hexafluorophosphate/iodine, [Cu(MeCN) ₄]PF₆/I₂, as catalyst has been investigated. It was found that the diazo decomposition of dialkyl a-diazophosphonates gave a mixture of β,γ-dihydrogen shift and 1,2-hydride migration products and afforded β-alk- enyl-substituted β-amino phosphonates with the Z configuration. The mechanism of this novel diazo decomposition process was discussed.