Reactions of acyl phosphonates with organoaluminum reagents: a new method for the synthesis of secondary and tertiary α-hydroxy phosphonates

The reactions of organoaluminum reagents (trimethylaluminum, triethylaluminum, etc.) with aryl and alkyl acyl phosphonates, which lead to the formation of α-hydroxy phosphonates in moderate to good yields, are reported. This method provides easy access to secondary and tertiary α-hydroxy phosphonates depending on the reaction conditions. The reactions of triethylaluminum with a series of acyl phosphonates at 0 °C gave the secondary α-hydroxy phosphonates, while at −100 °C they afford the tertiary α-hydroxy phosphonates.