A novel procedure for conversion of epoxides to α-hydroxyphosphonates with a trialkylphosphite mediated by LiClO4

A new method has been developed for the direct conversion of epoxides to α-hydroxyphosphonates by the reaction of a trialkylphosphite with the epoxide in 5 M lithium perchlorate in diethyl ether (LPDE). The reaction is highly regioselective and efficient with excellent yields under mild and neutral conditions.