Silphos [PCl3−n(SiO2)n]: a heterogeneous phosphine reagent for the conversion of epoxides to β-bromoformates or alkenes

Silphos [PCl3−n(SiO2)n] as a heterogeneous phosphine reagent is efficiently applied for the transformation of epoxides to β-bromoformates in the presence of bromine or N-bromosuccinimide in dimethyl formamide at 0 °C. The combination of Silphos and iodine was also found suitable for the room temperature preparation of alkenes. The use of Silphos provides the advantage of easy separation of the phosphine oxide by-product from the reaction mixture.