Anomalous reactivity of diphenylhydroxymethylphosphine oxide in the synthesis of a phosphorylated ether by oxa-Michael reaction

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)02482-4

Vinylic phosphorus compounds were found to react as Michael olefins with alcohols in basic catalytic conditions. Several phosphorylated polyethers were obtained in such a way. In analogous conditions, the hydroxymethylphosphine oxide used as alcoholic reagent looses formaldehyde leading to 1,2-diphosphorus compound formation.