Mild and Simple Preparation of Ketophosphine-boranes through Uncatalysed Hydrophosphination of Enones

An efficient and simple method for the synthesis of (gamma)-ketophosphines is reported. This method is based on the atom efficient hydrophosphination reaction using secondary phosphine-boranes as precursors. Different examples with various substrates and phosphine precursors are described. The reaction occurs without any catalyst upon simple thermal activation (5080 (degree)C). Reduction of a (gamma)-ketophosphine yields in good yield and with an excellent diastereoselectivity a new hydroxyphosphine.