BF-EtO promoted bifunctionalization of aldehydes for the synthesis of arylmethyl substituted organophosphorus compounds.

A simple and efficient protocol for the synthesis of arylmethyl substituted organophosphorus compounds is presented. This method involves the reaction of diphenyl phosphite with aldehydes in the presence of BF-EtO. In this method, BF-EtO plays a dual role, as it facilitates the generation of both hydrophosphonylated intermediate and phenol from diphenyl phosphite.