A new entry to β-hydroxyphosphonates: the SmI2-mediated reaction of diethyl iodomethylphosphonate with carbonyl compounds

In the presence of samarium iodide α-halophosphonates react with aliphatic carbonyl compounds (aldehydes and ketones) to afford β-hydroxyphosphonates in fairly good yields under neutral and mild conditions. Lower yields are obtained with aromatic carbonyl compounds.