Synthesis of α1-(Cbz-aminoalkyl)-α2-(hydroxyalkyl)phosphinic esters

A synthesis of α1-(Cbz-aminoalkyl)-α2-(hydroxyalkyl)phosphinic esters was achieved by the 1,2-addition of the appropriate aldehyde to Cbz-protected phosphinic analogues of amino acid esters in the presence of at least three equivalents of trimethylsilyl chloride and NEt3. The complete deprotection of the product esters could be achieved in one step using 35% HBr in acetic acid.