Aluminacyclopentanes in the synthesis of 3-substituted phospholanes and α,ω-bisphospholanes.

An efficient one-pot process for the synthesis of 3-substituted phospholanes and α,ω-bisphospholanes was developed. The method involves the replacement of aluminium in aluminacyclopentanes, prepared in situ by catalytic cycloalumination of α-olefins and α,ω-diolefins, by phosphorus atoms on treatment with dichlorophosphines (R'PCl2). Hydrogen peroxide oxidation and treatment with S8 of the synthesized phospholanes and α,ω-bisphospholanes afforded the corresponding 3-alkyl(aryl)-1-alkyl(phenyl)phospholane 1-oxides, 3-alkyl(aryl)-1-alkyl(phenyl)phospholane 1-sulfides, bisphospholane 1,1'-dioxides, and bisphospholane 1,1'-disulfides in nearly quantitative yields.